Review of Doctor Strange (2016) by Pipec — 06 Nov 2016

"Doctor Strange" Is The Beginning Of The Marvel Cinematic Multiverse.

Stephen Strange performs a spotless debut within giant Marvel Universe, likewise, phase 3 of MCU ventures to new and unknown territories with "Doctor Strange". After a provoking "Civil War" at the beginning of the year, it was unimaginable to think that another comic from Stan Lee could surpass such strength, unexpectedly, the last spell of 'House of ideas' plunges it fully into new dimensions. Open your mind because "Doctor Strange" is the best and most original comic book movie of this year.

He is considered by many as an arrogant and vain Croesus, and by many others as a perfectionist, elitist and talented neurosurgeon in New York; Vincent Strange earns his livelihood based on a transcendental plan: Save lives. However, his strict purpose is distorted by the metaphysical. He is suffocated by his own avarice, opulence and arrogance; a flamboyant car accident brings him to the foothills of the Nepal, in Kathmandu. There, he will have to discern what considered "real" in order to carry out a drastic metamorphosis. For this to happen, he has to open his eye, mind and power. His professional purpose still possesses its essence, nonetheless, now he must save the earthly and parallel universe.

The narrative follows the comic-book lines to the letter, originating an origin story devoted to the emblematic style of Steve Ditko, decidedly, omitting the controversial alterations of sex and ethnicity in some characters. Marvel is in charge to design vigorous foundations and motivations for its heroes, and this is no exception. Affinities with Tony Stark are fleeting and overvalued analogies, each character has its unique properties, so the mind of Strange is energetically dissimilar to the Stark.

We have an unusual team behind scenes. Who sits in the director's chair is Scott Derrickson, experienced in horror genre of the decade, with films to his credit as "Deliver Us from Evil", "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" or his best film to date, "Sinister". This skilled American director, screenwriter and producer demonstrates his extravagant talent within an unspoiled genre; nevertheless, with his qualities in horror movies, it was axiomatic that the psychedelic "Doctor Strange" would obtain this excellent result, which has imposed instinctively some touches of horror, either in visual, narrative or musical part.

As for those who took paper and pencil to write the story based on the comics by Lee, are the selfsame Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill and Jon Spaihts, all of them are newcomers into the wonderful world of Marvel. Their unexpected assertiveness and originality with the magic film was a great surprise, considering that it is unachievable to surpass to the incessant and chameleon-like Marvel's winning streak, even more for a group of novices in action movies, however, this reality is one of many and it seems that they came out from one still unknown.

Alliance between Ben Davis' work and Industrial Light & Magic ("Star Wars") is the main protagonist. Cinematographer Davis dominates the way and tone of Marvel: He shot "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Guardians of the Galaxy,". But even he outdoes himself peremptorily with the kaleidoscopic revolution of images and colors that spins from a corner to another. The movie rests its potential in the many dimensions that has the concept of one 'reality' and very devoted to the style impregnated in Ditko's comics, Davis and ILM created the impossible, a step beyond in visual effects, of course, supported by a visionary technology by IMAX. Although it possesses similitude with the dream world of Christopher Nolan and complexes and reflexive paintings of M. C. Escher, enjoys of enough innovation and originality on the idea that wants to project; still it must take borrowed elements from other arts, the important is that they have designed their own masterpiece.

If Marvel needs to change the sexuality and ethnicity of its heroes to get impeccable performances like these, they do it. Astral and tangible world of the film revolves around the main role of story, a round of applause to the nominated for one Oscar award, Benedict Cumberbatch. The British actor has stolen the heart of million people with "Sherlock" of BBC, and arrives again with intentions of repeat his trick. Capturing esotericism and complexity of Strange's life, this experienced theater actor enchants the screen with a role full of assertive decisions: funny, strong, but primarily, all a sorcerer. Cumberbatch could be the replacement to Downey Jr in the near future. Swinton, Mikkelsen, McAdams and Ejiofor are a legion of actors that go beyond loyal and outstanding interpretations, and it was no wonder, the best film must have the more professional actors, it should be noted that we appreciate their performances, not their characters (villain).

It has not reminiscences with "Iron Man" or "Guardians" at all, "Doctor Strange" enjoys to be the most elegant and sophisticated origin story of Marvel. It is the first film with the flamboyant and perfect opening credits, takes advantage of its potential in cinematography, is an evident breakthrough in the soundtracks of superhero movies with Michael Giacchino, has a splendid introduction of the cloak of levitation, a surprising direction, and a magical performances and seductive action sequences in the hands of the actors of more popularity of the modern Hollywood. Marvel ends its phase 3 of 2016 at the top, leaving doors open to a universe that is ready to be explored.