The Imitation Game

The Imitation Game (2014)

2 corrected entries

(1 vote)

Corrected entry: They say "Turing's machine" inspired generations of scientists, "today we call them computers," suggesting he invented the computer, which is incorrect. Despite differing opinions, the first computer was built around the beginning of the 20th century. It is far-fetched to claim he inspired the modern computer, if not entirely false. (01:50:10)

Correction: People debate about what constitutes a computer. For example, by some definitions a mouse trap should be considered a computer, and is far older than the beginning of the 20th century. But Turing created a system that modern computers were built upon and as a result is considered by many as the father of the modern computer. That you have a different view doesn't make it a factual mistake. The fact is this is an opinion, and many agree with what was said, so the statement cannot be considered an error. Just like the argument about whether Edison should be considered as the inventor of the light bulb (spoiler - light bulbs using filaments existed before Edison's experiments, but Edison created a PRACTICAL version).

The problem with claiming that 'Turing invented/developed/created' the modern computer is that it detracts from the equally important work he did on designing problems that could be solved by programmable computers. Yes, he worked with the engineers and Bletchley Park, and the Electrical Engineering department at the University of Manchester (Victoria University) when the Baby was built, but that was neither his speciality or main interest. There's a more interesting story to be told.

Corrected entry: The film shows Alan Turing single-handedly building the 'Bombe' which was designed by Turing and Welchman but built by the British Tabulating Machine Company under the direction of Harold Keene.

Correction: The movie most definitely does not imply that he single-handedly built the machine. The fact that he required a hundred thousand pounds to construct it indicates that other people were involved in the construction. Just because every step is not shown does not mean it did not happen.

Factual error: The detective played by Rory Kinnear is shown in 1951 typing a request for Alan Turing's military records. He changes a name with correcting fluid - unknown in the UK in 1951.

More mistakes in The Imitation Game

Joan Clarke: Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.

More quotes from The Imitation Game

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