The Imitation Game By Morton Tyldum

Media that accurately portrays history can be very helpful in developing society’s understanding of historical events, and films appeal to a wider audience. This non-traditional form of education and entertainment is valuable, however we must take into consideration that Hollywood producers may be tempted to amp up the drama for amusement’s effect. Although there are many movies that stray from the reality of historical events, Morton Tyldum’s The Imitation Game portrays accuracy when paralleled to reality. It tells the story of Alan Turing, a British mathmetician who creates a computer to decipher Nazi codes during World War Two (WWII). The Imitation Game portrays historical correctness in the sense of war technology, fashion, and society

This is important, as fashion is something that constantly changes and evolves so it can be difficult to be precise. However, Tyldum pays attention to detail in men’s apparel, soldier uniforms, as well as women’s apparel during WWII. To begin, the men’s apparel in The Imitation Game is consistent throughout the film. The characters are dressed in trousers with vests, ties, or suspenders. It’s more casual than formal-wear but still put together (Tyldum, 52:20). This is accurate, as, “Men continued to wear jackets and ties as a matter of routine, although sometimes with casual trousers, not necessarily matching suit trousers. Jumpers, vests and polo-neck shirts were popular for less formal wear.” (“The 1940s war era”, 2014). Tyldum captures this trend from WWII, and portrays it in a way that is historically correct. More concisely than just men’s apparel, the soldier uniforms are also shown in The Imitation Game. The guards are identifiable based on their neutral outfits, that are not camoflauge as the audience might expect (Tyldum, 7:53). This detail is historically accurate, “During World War II (1939–45), uniforms were made in varying shades of khaki and grey, and became more utilitarian as the war progressed. Camouflage uniforms were introduced for special military units because they were even more effective than khaki for concealment.” (Gibson, n.d.). Although this may seem like a minor detail, it was still important enough for Tyldum to include in the film to make it historically correct. Finally, we have women’s apparel. The female characters are not portrayed as much in The Imitation Game, but when they are the fashion is accurate from WWII. Joan Clarke is dressed in a simple blue dress with a cardigan and hat (Tyldum, 31:18) that fits the apparel description from this time period. Money was tight during this era, and, “Most of the women's fashions during the 1940s were designed