TIFF 2014: Benedict Cumberbatch unveils The Imitation Game

Acclaimed British actor, and TIFF fan favourite, BenedictCumberbatch, walked the red carpet withKeira Knightley in Toronto Tuesday nightfor the Canadian premiere ofThe Imitation Game.

• TIFF 2014: The Imitation Game review
• Big stars take on real-life characters at TIFF 2014

The Alan Turing biopic delves into life of troubled personal life, and brilliant professional life, of the British mathematiciangiving the Sherlock staranother astute, but aloof, character to sink his teeth into.

It's a role that Cumberbatch seems to relish, and the actor told CBC Arts reporter Deana Sumanac-Johnsonhe's glad the film will bring Turing's story to a broader audience.

• RAW VIDEO |BenedictCumberbatchat TIFF 2014
• RAW VIDEO |KeiraKnightleyon Alan Turing

"The work itself is incredibly inaccessible unless you're a specialist," the 38-year-old said.

"He brought about a two year early cessation to the Second World War, and that saved a rough estimate of 14 million lives."

Keira Knightley, who plays a fellow WWII code-breaker admitted she hadn't heard of Turing, until recently.

"I only found out about him about five years ago when there was a big push for him to be pardoned, and I was just
shocked that I didn't know who he was and what he'd done,"said the actress.

"It was a great tragedy."

The Imitation Game hits theatres Nov. 21.

The Toronto International Film Festival wraps on Sunday.