A brilliant codebreaker; a tough love teacher; a world built by a child.
Today's five movies explore the lives of people who have the ability to change the world around them.
10. The Imitation Game
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
Directed by Morten Tyldum
What's it about: The story of computer pioneer Alan Turing and his race to break the Nazi codes during World War II.
Why watch it: Whatever role he chooses, Benedict Cumberbatch always appears to be the smartest person in the room, as he should here portraying the genius, Turing. Besides the innate intelligence that he brings to a role, Cumberbatch has the best voice in film, a mesmerizing barritone that would sound good even while reading the local phone book.
Interesting factoid: Benedict Cumberbatch and Alan Turing are related. According to the family history site, Ancestry.com, the two are 17th cousins with family relations dating back to the 14th century.
Business takeaway: With so much data at your disposal, use it! One day it may save your business, or even your life.
Memorable scene: During Turing's interrogation, where Cumberbatch reveals the awkward, arrogant genius of the man he's portraying.
Memorable quote:
Alan Turing: Do you know why people like violence? It is because it feels good. Humans find violence deeply satisfying. But remove the satisfaction, and the act becomes… hollow.
Next up: Whiplash
9. Whiplash
Starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
Directed by Damien Chazelle
What's it about: A drummer savant (Miles Teller) enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where he is mentored by a music teacher who resembles a boot camp drill instructor.
Why watch it: For the incredible jazz drumming that builds and builds until a final competition solo that will leave you exhausted.
Interesting factoid: J.K. Simmons suffered two cracked ribs when Miles Teller tackled him during a scene.
Business takeaway: Sometimes tough love is what it takes to get through to people.
Memorable scene: The first moment we meet Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) is a revelation in language, both foul and fair.
Memorable quote:
Terence Fletcher: There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job."
Next up: The Drop
8. The Drop
Starring Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini
Directed by Michaël R. Roskam
What's it about: Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) gets caught up in a robbery gone awry at the bar where he works. The heat turns up when an investigation turns up a neighborhood full of secrets and lies.
Why watch it: For one last opportunity to see the late, great James Gandolfini on-screen.