Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen and Chiwetel Ejiofor
‘A Captivating Blockbuster’
Not many actors in Hollywood have ability to catch the attention of audiences like Benedict Cumberbatch. Ever since his rise to fame amid the 1990’s, Cumberbatch has become a bold icon. Whether it’s bold political leaders, strong sorcerers or action heroes, Cumberbatch has portrayed several bold characters. Arguably, Cumberbatch’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to his craft. His is one of those rare actors which has always poured his heart and soul into every role. Even when he is not the main focus of a film, Cumberbatch has left a lasting impression. Through his ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Cumberbatch has created a legacy which has been lasting. A British icon, Cumberbatch has become an iconic actor audiences cherish. By his abilities to play strong characters, Benedict has proven an actor audiences treasure. Throughout a career, Cumberbatch has made memorable movies which are absolutely worth taking about.
I’m a huge fan of Cumberbatch and adore all the films that he has made in his career. However, “Doctor Strange: in the Multiverse of Madness” is my favourite. Released in 2022, Sam Raimi’s movie offered a strong tribute to a strange sorcerer. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best comic-book films ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, who embodies a strange sorcerer that faces a rough patch. Although “In the Multi-Verse of Madness” is a captivating comic-book movie, it isn’t a flawless film. It suffers from a long length that tests viewer’s patience. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment for comic-book fans.
“Doctor Strange: into the Multiverse” tells a story of a sorcerer embarking on a journey into the multiverse. Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Doctor Stephen Strange, a strange sorcerer that has had the talent for using magic. Assisted by his longtime companion Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange excels at using magical sorcery. However, Strange’s life drastically changes when he’s given a chance to embark on a tense multi-verse adventure. Facing with a stressful scenario, Strange is forced to question whether it is possible for him to become a superhero. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Strange question his abilities to become a successful sorcerer.
Sam Raimi has always been fascinated by the stories of superheroes. A phenomenal filmmaker, Raimi has often made engaging movies about superheroes embarking upon an adventure. His iconic film “Spider-Man” introduced the web-swinging superhero on the big-screen. With “Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness”, however, Raimi made his first ever Doctor strange film. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to convey the tensions faced by strange sorcerers but he succeeded tremendously. Using strong cinematography, Raimi captures a strange sorcerer embarking on a perilous journey. Evoking Victor Fleming’s “The Wizard of Oz”, Raimi uses point of view shots to capture hardships that magical wizards are facing. For instance, POV shots enhance the multi-verse scene. During this memorable scene. Doctor Strange embarks upon a journey in the multi-verse. Through POV shots, Raimi creates a strong portrait of sorcerers that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky to use in movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using strong visual, Raimi captures tensions that sorcerers with skills are often facing.
Another strong aspect of “Doctor Strange: Into the Multiverse” is production. From a technical perspective, the film is well-made. Taking inspiration in the Daniels’ “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, Raimi successfully uses practical effects to create a portrait of a multi-verse that’s engaging. For instance, the effects elevate the multi-verse portals scene. During this intense scene, Doctor Strange embarks on a multi-verse journey travelling to an alternate reality. Through stunning practical effects, Raimi creates a portrait of multi-verse which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Danny Elfman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It captures the heavy burdens that strange sorcerers are facing. Through stunning production, Raimi captures strange sorcerers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the many reasons why “Doctor Strange: in Multiverse of Madness” is a comic-book film that’s riveting. Raimi’s screenwriting strength is ability to capture tensions strange sorcerers are enduring by silence. For instance, silence elevates the multiverse consequences scene. During this unforgettable scene, Doctor Strange faces tension when he discovers consequences of his multiverse spell. Through silence, Raimi crafts a portrait of sorcerers audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” suggested, silence elevates historical movies about slavery. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using a bold screenplay, Raimi captures sorcerers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers one of his best career performances as Dr. Strange. Cumberbatch first earned appreciation for playing legendary detectives BBC series. With “Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a strange sorcerer facing adversity but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, strong and emotional in his most memorable role. With captivating expressions, Cumberbatch captures the angst, grief and resentment of a sorcerer embarking on expeditions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actors today.
While the film is mainly a bold showcase for Benedict Cumberbatch, the supporting cast is also amazing. Elizabeth Olsen is excellent, capturing the compassion of a woman on a journey to discover an alternate dimension. Chiwetel Ejiofor is captivating, capturing the tensions that a wizard with strong sorcery is facing. Lastly, Benedict Wong is deserving of appreciation. As a magical sorcerer, he is unforgettable.
Although “Doctor Strange: in the Multiverse of Madness” is undeniably riveting, it isn’t a flawless film. If there’s a shortcoming to the film, it lacks strong pacing. Raimi’s choices to integrate subplots about queer heroes in the movie is bold but doesn’t succeed. Due to this faulty technique, scenes focusing on adventures of queer heroes aren’t quite as engaging as Doctor Strange’s journeys. As Chloe Zhao’s “The Eternals” suggested, subplots about queer heroes enhance comic book films about superhero teams. Therefore, “In the Multiverse of Madness” falls short.
Nevertheless, passionate fans of Benedict Cumberbatch will definitely enjoy “Doctor Strange: in the Multiverse of Madness” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A comic book blockbuster, it honours an iconic actor.
Nearly three years following the release of a groundbreaking comic-book movie about strange sorcerers that perform magic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic actor that has made manufactured terrier films that have never lost their abilities to captivate the public.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 