Doctor Strange 2016 Review

Introduction (Warning Contains Spoilers)

With an extended version of Avengers: Endgame coming to cinemas this September, Marvel is attracting renewed attention.

Avengers: Doomsday is also scheduled to arrive in December. That gives us the perfect opportunity to continue revisiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We are working through the Marvel films in chronological order. Our journey now takes us to 2016 and Doctor Strange.

The film introduced audiences to one of Marvel’s more unusual superheroes. It also opened the MCU to magic, alternate dimensions and supernatural threats.

That represented a significant change for the franchise. Until this point, Marvel had largely focused on science and advanced technology.

Doctor Strange showed that the MCU could explore something completely different. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon.

After the terrible car crash, his life is completely changed. He receives serious nerve injury. His medical career is ruined for good.

Strange gets desperate trying to find the way to fix his hands. His quest brings him to Kamar-Taj. It is there that he gets acquainted with another world.

He starts learning magic under the tutelage of Ancient One. Later on, Strange needs to choose who he wants to be.

The whole story follows the classic structure of superhero origin stories. The first thing that happens to a very arrogant person is a crisis of his personal life.

He loses all that used to define him. Then he receives incredible abilities. Finally, he needs to learn how to control them properly. This structure is not revolutionary at all.

However, the movie manages to make it visually appealing. The most fascinating element of the movie is its visual style. Buildings are bending and streets are folding.

Portals start appearing at various places. People travel through different dimensions. Reality itself becomes manipulable.

Such approach helps Doctor Strange become a character of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, the movie is far from being perfect. Character development is often times predictable.

The villain is also one of the underdeveloped aspects of the film. The plot also utilizes many typical Marvel tropes.

Some parts of the humor do not work as well as others. At other times, the special effects overpower the plot.

Despite all these problems, Doctor Strange remains a significant entry in the MCU. It successfully broadens the universe.

Also, it provides Benedict Cumberbatch with a character for further stories.

Direction

Doctor Strange was directed by Scott Derrickson. As he has experience in directing horror movies, he is an interesting director for this film.

The movie includes several characteristics which relate to his experience in directing dark films. There is a certain degree of mystery concerning the world of the supernatural.

Introduction to the Ancient One and Kamar-Taj takes time. It makes the viewers get acquainted with the world of magic along with Strange.

Derrickson also knows how important it is to make magic unfamiliar.

Instead of showing traditional fantasy spells, the film depicts magic as if it were manipulation with reality.

It creates a unique visual style for the movie. The direction in the first half of the film is quite good.

At first, Strange is an arrogant person. Strange’s accident makes him reconsider his values. Derrickson shows it gradually.

Strange does not immediately become the hero. He remains the obnoxious and sarcastic one. That makes him even more interesting a character.

The same thing goes for The Ancient One. She shows Stranger that knowledge alone is not sufficient.

He needs to work on his attitude. That gives the movie a clear arc. But the process of the character development is not surprising at all.

Arrogant genius becoming a selfless hero is quite common. That makes the movie highly dependent on its execution.

That is where director Derrickson’s approach becomes more interesting. He crafts a world that stands out from the other Marvel movies.

Mystical scenes are impressively visually ambitious. Also, the movie has a unique way of using perspective.

The viewer constantly has doubts about what is real or not. And that approach is very effective when Stranger tries magic for the first time.

Also, the action scenes are unique when compared to normal superhero fights. Characters do not just beat each other up.

Rather, they play with the environment. They conjure up barriers and weapons using magic.

They transform the physical setting around them. This lets Derrickson create action sequences that are unique.

The final battle in the movie is quite interesting. Strange beats the enemy with better thinking rather than physical power.

It’s a great choice for the character. Still, the movie retains the same Marvel formula. There is an origin story in the movie.

There is a villain who is about to destroy the world. There is also a large scale battle at the end of the movie.

Lastly, there is a post credit scene which links the movie with the rest of the MCU. Thus, the movie feels both unique and familiar.

This combination mostly works well. However, the direction could have gone more dark. The horror experience of Derrickson suggests it was possible.

Instead, Marvel’s established tone remains dominant. The result is accessible but somewhat restrained.

Overall, Derrickson succeeds in introducing a completely new side of the MCU. His visual imagination is the film’s greatest directorial strength.

The conventional storyline prevents it from being truly groundbreaking. However, the direction gives Doctor Strange enough personality to stand apart.

Cinematography

Ben Davis is the cinematographer. The cinematography is essential in creating the unusual world in the film.

The film shifts from normal settings to unusual worlds. As a result, the style changes too. The early shots are set in a modern world setting.

The setting of Strange’s hospital seems realistic. New York setting is also realistic. This helps to create a realistic world before the introduction of magic.

When Strange arrives at Kamar Taj, the visuals get increasingly imaginative.

Architecture starts to play an increasingly important role.

Wide shots are used by the film in order to show the magnitude of the environment that the filmmakers have created.

Unusual camera angles are employed by the film during the magic scenes. The constantly changing angle of view is probably one of the best visual techniques used in the film.

Buildings rotate. Streets rotate. Rooms change. And all this is captured by the camera using unusual angles.

A sense of unreality emerges. Therefore, the cinematography helps tell the story. Strange realizes that his knowledge of the reality is insufficient.

So does the viewer. The film also successfully employs color schemes. Magic scenes look brighter.

This allows for distinguishing them from the reality. It is helpful to have visual difference between locations.

Kamar-Taj looks ancient. New York looks modern. Mirror Dimension looks very different. These contrasts allow the audience to differentiate between the movie’s locations.

There are also some amazing visuals in the astral projection sequences. In astral projection, Strange’s consciousness leaves his body.

This allows for some interesting compositions. But sometimes the visual creativity is just too much.

The constant movement takes away the emotional effect of some scenes. The audience ends up paying attention to the effects instead of the characters.

That’s an ongoing issue with the movie. But the visual imagination is amazing. The only problem is that sometimes spectacle matters more than storytelling.

The cinematography continues to be one of the best parts of the movie. It helps give Doctor Strange its visual identity. It also adds to the magic of the MCU universe.

Visual Effects

Visual effects are one of the things that define the movie. The movie had to find a way to represent magic visually.

It had to find a way to make alternate dimensions believable. The effects team had quite the task at hand.

All in all, it’s safe to say that they did quite an impressive job. Some of the best visuals of the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe can be found here.

Buildings bend. Roads warp. The entire environment moves. This gives you a sense of scale that would have been impossible to achieve without visual effects.

The Mirror Dimension is yet another impressive accomplishment. It enables characters to alter their surroundings.

The visual effects create constantly changing environments. Moreover, the visual language helps understand how the magic works.

Magic spells are portrayed using certain shapes and motion. Portals are visually distinguished from regular things.

There is a clear representation for magical shields. The visual effects are helpful in showing how the magic works.

Rather than just making the explosions bigger, the film alters the way that the combat works.

The characters are able to warp space. They can travel through space. They are able to conjure up magical weapons.

All of this means that the action sequences have an entirely different tempo. However, this approach is not without its flaws.

Some scenes use so much CGI that they are weightless. The climactic scene uses a lot of CGI. It is visually impressive as a result.

However, it also removes the viewer from the world that the film creates. Sometimes the film becomes more about technology than anything else.

The characters become lost in the spectacle. There are times when the effects seem to be showing their age.

While some scenes look great, others are clearly out of date. This is especially true when multiple digital effects share the frame at once.

Regardless, this is an impressive accomplishment. The film succeeds in visualising ideas that are hard to describe.

It could have looked really silly. However, instead, the film has created a consistent style. This is one of its most impressive accomplishments.

The CGI is not always flawless. However, it is central to the film’s success. Without those effects, Doctor Strange would not have the same identity.

Themes and Storyline

Transformation is the core theme in the movie. Stephen Strange thinks from the beginning that he is better than others thanks to his intellect.

He is successful. He is rich. He is well-respected. Nevertheless, he is also arrogant and egotistical. His accident shatters the life that he knows.

This is why he needs to reevaluate himself. Thus, the movie presents a physical injury as the start of his transformation.

Strange wants to go back to his old life at the very beginning. He does not seek spiritual enlightenment. He only wants to restore his hands.

These motives are egoistic. It makes his future transformation more meaningful.

The Ancient One teaches him that his view of the world is limited. Strange should get used to uncertainties.

Moreover, he should realize that there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. It is a nice topic.

However, it is not fully developed in the movie. The movie still can be viewed as a superhero origin movie.

He learns magic in the end. He gets unique powers. Then, he faces the supernatural danger.

The change thus is a predictable one. The film also examines the theme of sacrifice. Strange would need to risk his life for others.

It can be contrasted with the character first introduced. This makes his growth rather predictable.

The movie also questions the concept of time. Time manipulation is presented by Eye of Agamotto. It plays an important role in the final battle.

It is an excellent concept. Strange does not fight with strength but with intelligence. He devises a trap that his opponent cannot escape from.

It forms an excellent ending to the movie. But the villain is a major flaw. Kaecilius is a character with interesting beliefs.

According to him, humans should transcend their mortal state. This belief could have led to a stronger philosophical clash.

But the villain is rather a cliché one. Mads Mikkelsen has performed well as the villain.

But he gets a very shallow script from the screenwriter. But the Ancient One is a better character. Tilda Swinton has added authority to the character.

However, the casting choice also became controversial. The film altered the classic comic book identity of the Ancient One.

This change resulted in some criticism. It became one of the most controversial creative decisions regarding the film.

As for the plotline, it is quite well thought out. It lasts for two hours. The pace is quite good. The first half of the movie is particularly strong.

The development of Strange is quite clear. In the second half, we see the world of magic. And the last act brings us the required confrontation.

But at the same time, the movie becomes quite predictable. Its uniqueness lies in the visuals. The path of development of the characters is quite common.

But this does not mean that it is bad. It just means that the main idea of the movie is in its visual part.

The themes are present in it..But they are developed enough to support the development of Strange. But not to the same degree as the visuals.

Performances

Benedict Cumberbatch’s casting as Stephen Strange was smart. First, he has the right sort of confidence that the character demands.

Secondly, he has the right way of handling his arrogance. The character should be hard to work with at first.

This Benedict Cumberbatch pulls off well. Third, he brings the character into being a hero successfully.

Strange is sarcastic all through the film. This stops him from being too sentimental. Benedict Cumberbatch gives the character enough personality to carry the film.

Rachel McAdams portrays Christine Palmer. She gives Strange an emotional tie with his past life. Nonetheless, the role can be exploited more.

It is beyond Rachel McAdams’ capabilities that the script gives her. The sole purpose of Christine is just to give Strange memories of his past life.

Chiwetel Ejiofor portrays Karl Mordo. The actor gives the character a serious air. Mordo comes across as Strange’s friend at first.

Their relation gradually becomes more and more complex. The ending suggests an upcoming conflict between them.

In that way, the character becomes more interesting with hindsight.

Tilda Swinton delivers a good portrayal of the Ancient One. The actress gives the character authority.

The role requires convincing Strange of the existence of magic. Swinton fulfills this task perfectly. Nevertheless, the casting decision is controversial.

Mads Mikkelsen gives a good portrayal of Kaecilius. The actor has the presence of a major villain. Nevertheless, the character lacks sufficient development.

In that way, Mikkelsen does not get enough material for his talent.

Benedict Wong is remarkable as Wong. The character is humorous but is not a purely comedic one.

Wong’s relation to Strange is well-developed. Moreover, he turns out to be an integral character of the mystical world.

In general, the actors’ work is strong. Nevertheless, Cumberbatch is the most remarkable among them.

Several other characters deserved more development. The actors deliver better performances than some of the writing.

What Worked and What Did Not

There are plenty of things to like about Doctor Strange. Its primary accomplishment is in extending the MCU.

The movie brings magic into the universe but still retains the essence of Marvel. This was no small feat.

Another thing to marvel at is the film’s visual effects. The scenes with the folding city are quite memorable.

It creates images never before seen in any other films in the MCU. The acting in the film is excellent as well.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the character perfectly. Stephen Strange becomes a believable character as both a genius and an arrogant person.

Tilda Swinton gives the Ancient One great authority. Benedict Wong makes Wong a memorable character.

Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a fine performance as Mordo. Direction by Scott Derrickson helps create a unique atmosphere.

His vision is supported by good cinematography. The plot is decent as well. The origin story works quite well for Strange.

His transformation is quite comprehensible. However, there are notable weaknesses in the film. First of all, the movie is highly predictable.

The classic structure of origin story of superheroes is known to everyone.

Strange’s transformation fits the classic structure perfectly. Moreover, the villain is quite boring. Kaecilius has a compelling motive for his actions.

However, the character never becomes remarkable enough. That is strange because of the actor’s talents. The supporting characters are poorly constructed as well.

In particular, Christine Palmer is underutilized in the film. This actress could play an important part in the movie.

There are interesting themes that the film presents. Nevertheless, these themes are not thoroughly analyzed.

The movie raises the questions about mortality, knowledge, and sacrifice. Then the movie quickly transforms into a superhero genre.

There are many visual effects in the film. They sometimes become distracting for the viewer.

In some moments, the characters become secondary to them. The final fight in the film is smart. But it lacks physicality of some other MCU finale battles.

The CGI itself is also inconsistent at times. Some special effects are still good. Other special effects seem rather artificial.

Doctor Strange is also rather conventionally humorous for a Marvel movie. Some of the jokes fit well. Some other jokes disrupt the mood of the movie.

Nevertheless, despite all these weaknesses, Doctor Strange succeeds with its primary goal.

It brings to life a totally new aspect of the MCU. It introduces a new visual language.

It also creates a character who can become significant in the future.

Overall Verdict

Doctor Strange is an important and visually spectacular movie in the MCU series.

It manages to successfully introduce the element of magic in the ever-complicated Marvel Universe.

Scott Derrickson adds a unique visual signature to the film. The effects work is frequently spectacular. The folding city scenes in particular are spectacularly done.

Benedict Cumberbatch has a lot to do with how well the film is done. He convincingly plays Stephen Strange.

Cumberbatch manages to make Strange arrogant but still likable. The transformation of Strange is also believable.

The supporting cast is also quite impressive. The Ancient One played by Tilda Swinton is authoritative.

Chiwetel Ejiofor brings out presence in Mordo. The film does have some problems though.

The lack of a compelling villain character means that Marvel has failed to create another unforgettable villain.

The plot of Doctor Strange is also nothing new. The idea of an arrogant genius learning humility is not new in the superhero genre.

The concepts of knowledge, sacrifice and mortality in the film are interesting. Marvel however doesn’t take the concepts much further than this.

On the one hand, this is the biggest merit of the picture. But at the same time, sometimes the special effects are so strong that the characters suffer.

Moreover, the CGI is also uneven here. While some parts of the movie look great and are impressive visually, others are already dated and don’t seem that good anymore.

In addition, the other characters could also have been developed better. Firstly, Christine Palmer gets far too little screen time.

Moreover, sometimes the film relies too much on Marvel comedy. But nevertheless, all these flaws don’t ruin the movie totally.

And it’s worth noting that Doctor Strange makes a good job. The picture broadens the universe by using new ideas and introduces magic into it.

What is more, the movie brings a hero different from Iron Man or Captain America. That’s why the movie is worth watching.

It is not perfect. It is not the best Marvel movie. But still, it is a cool and visually unusual part of the franchise.

The strongest sides of it are its visual effects and main actor’s performance. And the worst things about it are its antagonist and predictable plot.

Overall, Doctor Strange feels like a successful experiment. It opens a new door for the MCU. It also demonstrates that Marvel could continue expanding its formula.

For me, that makes it a solid rather than exceptional entry.