The movie “ The Imitation Game” which premiered late 2014 was all about Alan Turing, the man who cracked Nazi codes. The movie was one of the most talked-about of the year, with household names like Keira Knightley and Benedict Cumberbatch. Though the movie made several headlines for its cinematography and exceptional acting, what many didn't know was the story behind its screenplay writer.
Most of you have read my tittle and are completely unaware of who Moore is and why he would inspire me. I enjoy watching movies but I am not the type of person who would pay attention to the end credits when they mention the screenplay writer or costume designer. At least, I didn’t understand the significance that the people who are behind the scenes take on a movie, and how there hard work is indeed reflected on the final product and what we view.
Well, this is until I saw the viral video of Graham Moore giving his acceptance speech at the Oscar ceremony for the the "The Imitation Game”.
First and foremost I had watched the movie and loved it, but when I heard that it won an Oscar for its screenplay it really didn’t interest me as much as if one of the actors had. But then, I saw the acceptance speech, given by Moore when he received his Oscar and broke down in tears. I had never watched a shorter more precise and insightful speech.
The speech says: “In this brief time here, what I want to use it to do is to say this: When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt like I did not belong,” Moore said. “And now, I’m standing here and I would like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere: Yes, you do. I promise you do. You do. Stay weird, stay different. And then, when it’s your turn and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person who comes along.” - Graham Moore
Graham held tight to his award as he walked off stage leaving the whole audience and viewers in tears. I immediately started researching him and learned that he wasn't planning on giving that precise speech, nor speaking for the first time about his depression at the Oscars, but he felt the need to make a difference. Graham also said that being a screenplay writer, the opportunity to be up on stage and on live television are scarce and he knew he had to dedicate it to all of those who did not feel they belonged.
Not only did he leave us all with our mouths hanging wide open and our cheeks filled with tears, but he showed everybody that being different means that you are special. If we are authentic to our own persona, and follow what we truly desire we will succeed no matter what. Seconds after the speech was seen people were inspired to create the #stayweird movement, with many sharing their own stories about their struggles with feeling like an outcast.
Though I was captivated and inspired by Moores speech, it didn’t only remind me to be authentic, it also made me understand the importance of knowing more than an actor's name to really enjoy the movie. I understood that one of Moores fascinations and inspirations behind the movie's screenplay was his obsession with Alan Turing who suffered from depression and was punished for showing his true colors. Moore took his own emotional connection to Turing making the movie a must watch for the season.
Watch the Speech yourself, and feel inspired by an authentic role model.
http://oscar.go.com/video/2015-awards-ceremony-highlights/_m_VDKA0_4756q5vd