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The main character is a maths genius called Tom Jericho (Dougray
Scott) who has a brilliant, but brittle mind, and has just
returned to duty after having a breakdown over a failed romance
with war floozie Claire (Saffron Burrows).
Mind you, his return is perfect timing because the Germans
have suddenly changed an important aspect of their code and
the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend brings unwanted attention
and pressure on Jericho from the security heavy Wigram (Jeremy
Northam).
Paranoia grips all and Jericho, together with the switched-on
clerk Hester (Kate Winslet), takes it upon himself to try
to figure out what has happened to Claire and how her disappearance
fits into the larger intelligence war.
Enigma is a deliberately paced drama that keeps you absorbed
with its characters, their interaction and trying to work
out whodunnit. It is beautifully filmed and spiced up by the
fact that unless the boffins manage to crack the German code
quickly then the largest Atlantic convoy filled with war material
for the Allies will run smack into the the largest U-Boat
wolf pack the enemy can send at them.
Scott is superb as the man on the edge Jericho and his achingly
obvious self-doubts are relieved by the confident and eager
Winslet. I know she was meant to look like a frumpy office
worker but with those eyes and face there can be no doubting
her on-screen appeal.
Burrows is the brazen hussy of the piece and her platinum
blonde hair definitely ruins her looks.
Northam is coldly determined and while many won't like the
character of Wigram I thought he was terrific.
The transfer is excellent.
Conclusion: Movie 85%, Extras 65%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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