Marvel, it might be time for us to talk. It’s not you, entirely, but maybe it’s me wanting more. We’ve had some good times, sure, but lately, our relationship feels a bit… predictable. Doctor Strange, your 2016 offering, showcases this perfectly. It’s visually stunning, the actors are charismatic, but does it truly resonate beyond the surface-level magic tricks?
Just like Tony Stark kick-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his swagger, we are introduced to Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). He’s a brilliant, albeit arrogant, neurosurgeon who thinks he’s the master of his own universe. A devastating car accident shatters his reality, leaving him with irreparable nerve damage in his hands and a desperate need for healing beyond the realm of conventional medicine.
His quest for a cure leads him to Kamar-Taj in Nepal, where he encounters the enigmatic Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and her disciple Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Here, Strange is introduced to the mystic arts, a world of astral planes, sling rings, and potent spells. He quickly progresses, driven by his intellect and ambition, even as a looming threat emerges in the form of Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelson), a former student of the Ancient One seeking forbidden power and servitude to a dark entity.
Cumberbatch embodies Strange with a familiar arrogance, reminiscent of his Sherlock portrayal. He delivers witty lines and portrays the character’s initial self-absorption convincingly. However, while the film aims for the same blend of disdain and eventual compassion that made Iron Man so compelling, it doesn’t quite reach the same depth. Robert Downey Jr.’s Stark felt groundbreaking in 2008; in 2016, Doctor Strange feels like a polished iteration of a well-established formula.
Benedict Cumberbatch masterfully portrays the arrogant yet brilliant Stephen Strange in Doctor Strange (2016), a neurosurgeon thrust into the world of mystic arts.
The visuals in Doctor Strange are undeniably captivating. Director Scott Derrickson unleashes a mind-bending kaleidoscope of effects, particularly during action sequences. Buildings fold in on themselves, dimensions warp and twist, creating a visual spectacle unlike anything seen in previous Marvel films. These sequences are certainly entertaining, a dazzling display of cinematic magic. Yet, as visually impressive as they are, they sometimes feel like eye candy without substantial narrative weight. They are impressive illusions, but what do they truly serve?
This brings us to the core question: why Doctor Strange now? What purpose does this film serve in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe beyond visual thrills? Superhero movies have become our modern mythology, our contemporary gods and saviors. The Avengers resonated deeply, offering a sense of catharsis and heroism in a post-9/11 world. But Doctor Strange, while competently made, doesn’t seem to tap into any similar cultural nerve.
Tilda Swinton’s portrayal of the Ancient One in Doctor Strange (2016) brings a serene wisdom to the mystical mentor figure, guiding Doctor Strange on his transformative journey.
Perhaps the answer lies in the metaphor itself. Marvel, in a way, has become our modern magician. We enter the theater, suspend our disbelief, and are entertained by dazzling spectacle after dazzling spectacle. We are kept in a state of wonder and escapism for a couple of hours. But once the lights come up, what remains? Does Doctor Strange offer anything more profound than temporary entertainment?
Like a magic show, it serves its immediate purpose. It distracts, it amuses, it impresses with its visual sleight of hand. But as for leaving a lasting impact, challenging the status quo, or offering truly groundbreaking storytelling within the superhero genre, Doctor Strange falls short.
I’m not ready to completely abandon Marvel just yet. But I’m certainly stepping back, observing from a distance. Doctor Strange (2016) is a competent entry in the MCU, enjoyable in many ways, but ultimately reinforces the feeling that Marvel is playing it safe, prioritizing formula over genuine innovation. It is what it is – a visually impressive, yet somewhat hollow, magical ride. And maybe, for now, that’s enough. But for how long?
