Marvel’s Dr. Strange

Is it a revolutionary film produced by the acclaimed ‘blockbuster confectionery’ otherwise known as Marvel? Far from it I would say. It’s a rather surprising predicament for Marvel to be in, considering the nature of the source material. Even as the director Scott Derrickson maneuvers through multi-dimensional concepts beyond the comprehension and perception of ordinary folk, his film comes across rather muted and underwhelming. He doesn't muster the courage to steer away from the ‘tried and tested’ Marvel formula. Ironically, we follow Benedict Cumberbatch in a familiar journey into the unknown as he gradually discovers his unlikely talent for the mystic arts and eventually save the world, this time from a villain that exists outside the boundaries of time. While a great deal was made about the ‘mind-bending’ CGI, one can’t help but feel Christopher Nolan managed to create a far more visceral impact in Inception even as Derrickson tries very hard to cue in the awe and amazement with the monumental but ultimately untenanted score by Michael Giacchino.

But don’t be mistaken. It’s not a terrible film that is unbearable to watch. It is entertaining in parts and Benedict Cumberbatch is ever charismatic, holding his own in every frame even amidst the likes of Tilda Swinton. Speaking of Swinton, she lays to rest all the controversy surrounding her character with a poignant yet tender performance. Playing the ‘Ancient One’, she comes across otherworldly befitting of the character. With ease she supplants any skepticism, weaving together a tapestry of nuanced emotions buttressed with both quiet confidence and nurturing warmth. It was a splendid experience watching each interaction between Swinton and Cumberbatch play out with such earnestness as a master-disciple relationship satisfyingly evolves to take on a more maternal facet.

Nevertheless, the film will likely leave you wanting for more. Evoking both thematic and cinematic attributes that the Matrix executed with far more panache almost two decades ago, I was hoping for Marvel to reinvent the wheel and give the audience a truly inspiring experience that would define the cinematic landscape for decades to come. Presumably, as long as Marvel doesn't change its once inventive approach to film-making, formulaic it will still remain.