Writer/Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Benedict Wong, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton
‘A Captivating Comic-Book Classic’
Not many actors have made movies that stay with audiences for as long as Benedict Wong. Ever since his rise to fame in the 2000’s, Wong has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s bold supreme sorcerers, space survivors or famous authors, Wong has played several larger than life characters. Arguably, Wong’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors which has often poured his heart and soul into each and every role. Wong has often had aptitude for stealing show in supporting roles in films. Even when he’s in a movie for limited amount of screen time, Wong has always manages to leave a lasting impression. A Chinese icon with strong abilities, Wong has made many iconic movies. Although he is arguably best known for his role in the MCU, Wong has proven that he can excel producing movies in every genre. Throughout his strong career, Wong has made many memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Wong and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Doctor Strange” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2016, Scott Derrickson’s movie offered a bold tribute towards an iconic superhero. Packed with strong production design, engaging story and phenomenal acting, it’s one of best Marvel movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Benedict Wong, who embodies a supreme sorcerer seeking to prepare for warfare disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Doctor Strange” a comic-book classic is universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel films, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message on perseverance which would definitely resonate with everyone. A riveting masterpiece about strange sorcerers, there are several reasons why “Doctor Strange” is a movie that is worth seeing.
“Doctor Strange” tells the story of a sorcerer that seeks to explore a world which is strange. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon with dedication to his profession. Strange has always had dreams of achieving success in a competitive profession. A workaholic, Strange has always been drawn to a career he regards fantastic. However, his dreams of becoming a successful surgeon are destroyed a car accident disaster. Faced with debilitating body injuries, Strange loses ability to perform surgery. Just when all hope seems to be lost, Stephen is given a second shot at life by a bold sorcerer. The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) is a great sorcerer with abilities to heal broken bodies. Assisted by the sorcerer Wong (Benedict Wong), Stephen embarks on a journey to discover his identity. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Stephen begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible for him to be a successful sorcerer.
Scott Derrickson is a newcomer towards comic book films. Before he made “Doctor Strange”, Derrickson had never made a superhero film before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the tensions faced by sorcerers facing adversity but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Derrickson captures a sorcerer that embarks on a magical journey. Inspired with Christopher Nolan’s “Inception”, Derrickson expertly uses montages to capture tensions that strange sorcerers are facing. For instance, montages enhance the ancient one training scene. During this memorable scene, Stephen discovers alternate realities through assistance from the ancient one. One admires montages capturing obstacles sorcerers are facing. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Ridley Scott’s “The Martian” did suggest, montages enhance classic science fiction movies about survival. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Derrickson captures tension commemorated supreme sorcerers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Doctor Strange” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it is arguably the most impressive film Marvel has ever made. Derrickson expertly uses costumes to convey a surgeon’s transformation into a sorcerer. For instance, costumes elevate the hand training scene. During this memorable scene, Strange struggles to conjure a magical portal through his hands. One appreciates costumes which capture tensions comic-book heroes seeking to conjure magic endure. Through costumes, Derrickson creates a compelling sorcerer that audiences can easily relate to. Moreover, the musical score is superb. Michael Giacchino’s music is integral towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that commemorated sorcerers in strange worlds are facing. Through powerful production design, Derrickson captures lives of commemorated sorcerers facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Doctor Strange” is a comic-book film that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture tensions supreme sorcerers are facing. Throughout the movie, neurosurgery becomes a symbol of Doctor Strange’s identity. For instance, symbolism elevates the argument scene. During this intense scene, Strange has an argument with Christine about his purpose in life after the car accident tragedy. One appreciates symbolism capturing tensions there supreme sorcerers in tension are facing. Symbolism isn’t an easy technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” suggested, symbolism often elevates fantastic adaptations. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Derrickson captures strange sorcerers which experience a painful price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Benedict Wong delivers one of his best career performances as Wong. Wong first achieved appreciation for playing supporting roles in sci fi movies. With “Doctor Strange”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a strange sorcerer facing tragedy, but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before; intense, charismatic and funny in his most iconic role. Wong has often had sharp sense of humour, “Doctor Strange” showcased his strengths as an actor. Through mesmerizing expressions, Wong captures the angst, grief and sense of authority of a commemorated hero. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated Chinese actors working in Hollywood today.
Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as a surgeon that seeks to become a sorcerer which causes tension. Cumberbatch has always excelled at playing strong heroes under pressure, and “Doctor Strange” showcased his strengths as an actor. Whether he’s seeking to discover the truth about his identity or training to enter into an alternate reality, Cumberbatch uses strong body language to portray a sorcerer which is compelling. It’s a role that gave the actor the chance to showcase his talent for portraying heroes driven to achieve a goal. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated actors working today.
Lastly, Tilda Swinton merits appreciation. As an ancient sorcerer, she brings emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Doctor Strange” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing sorcerers which are strange. Unlike most comic-book movies, the film tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including grief, determination and vengeance which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the iconic superhero to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about identity that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Doctor Strange” is one of those celebrated films about supreme sorcerers that everyone would adore.
Fans of Benedict Wong will definitely appreciate “Doctor Strange” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating comic-book classic, it honours a Chinese actor that has built a legacy that’s iconic.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking comic-book film about a supreme sorcerer overcoming tragic hand injuries through magic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated Chinese actor that has built an iconic legacy by portraying authentic Chinese characters in terrific movies which have captivated the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 