Watch Codebreaker: Alan Turing - Persecution of a Genius

Codebreaker: Alan Turing - Persecution of a Genius is a biographical documentary film that tells the story of the life and work of Alan Turing, a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role in breaking the Nazi Enigma code during World War II. The film explores Turing's exceptional intellect, the tragedies he suffered, and his remarkable legacy.

The documentary starts by introducing Turing as a brilliant and eccentric man who was ahead of his time. Born in 1912, Turing showed signs of being a mathematical prodigy from an early age. He was a solitary figure who didn't conform to societal norms but found solace in his intellectual pursuits, which included developing mathematical theories and creating his own computer.

During World War II, Turing worked for the British government as part of a team tasked with cracking the Enigma code used by the Germans to encrypt their messages. The stakes were high, and the pressure was intense. Turing's contributions to the project were invaluable; he devised a method to decode the messages that allowed the Allies to gain a significant advantage over the Germans. However, he kept his work secret for decades, and his contributions were only recognized posthumously.

Despite his significant contributions, Turing was never fully appreciated or recognized during his lifetime, and the documentary highlights some of his troubles. The film explores Turing's personal life, his struggles with his sexuality, and his subsequent persecution by the British government. In 1952, Turing was convicted of homosexuality, which was then a criminal offense in the UK. Rather than face prison, he agreed to undergo chemical castration, which caused his health to deteriorate. Turing died in 1954, just two years after his conviction, and it is widely believed that he took his own life.

The documentary is an honest portrayal of Turing's life and legacy. It is directed by Clare Beavan and produced by Patrick Sammon and Paul Zylan. The film features interviews with historians, scholars, and experts in the fields of computer science and mathematics, as well as Turing's friends, colleagues, and family members.

The documentary makes use of archival footage, photographs, and personal letters to paint a vivid picture of Turing's extraordinary life and contributions to the field of computer science. The filmmakers also use animated sequences to explain difficult mathematical concepts and explain how computers work, making the film accessible to viewers of all levels of knowledge.

The film is a moving tribute to Turing's life and a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in society. It challenges the prevailing view of homosexuality during Turing's time and the persecution of those who deviated from societal norms. It highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who dare to be different and who make significant contributions to society in their fields of expertise.

Overall, Codebreaker: Alan Turing - Persecution of a Genius is a powerful retelling of Alan Turing's life and work. It is an important reminder of the value of diversity and the significant contributions that marginalized individuals can make to society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of computing, cryptography, or LGBTQ+ rights.