by Carine Belmont
We all know the basic plot of a blockbuster. A malefic strength threatens to destroy the world – usually in total and general ignorance – until a quite normal man, all things considered, ends up, after some vagaries, having to be the saviour of humanity, more or less willingly. Doctor Strange does not escape the rule. Thus, there is nothing surprising regarding the screenplay and there is no need to be an unconditional fan of the Marvels comics to understand the story. Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson, is not a bad blockbuster, though. Conversely, if the story appears to be relatively basic, the direction, the dialogues and the actors’ performance make it a very good entertainment and a good film.
Brief summary of the story, thus: a distinguished neurosurgeon, Doctor Stephen Strange, loses the full use of his hands after a car accident. In his quest for a miracle treatment, he is going to discover his gift for the mystic arts and the magic. By necessity, he will have to face a malefic entity, Dormammu, and its henchmen.
First of all, no slip-up about the cast performance. It must be said that the casting is remarkable. Benedict Cumberbatch being Benedict Cumberbatch, his acting performance is perfectly mastered : no doubtful facial expressions or pout of super hero badly bundled up in his costume, as it is normally usual to see in this kind of film. His performance largely contributes to make the progress of the film perfectly fluid. Despite his tortured and arrogant character, he carries out naturally the comedic retorts and the sight gags, even if obviously the director and the screenwriters are substantially responsible for it.
As well, Tilda Swinton, in the role of the Ancient One, is impeccable. What idea, will you tell me (none), to put a woman in this role instead of a man? (Yes, because in the comics the Ancient One is a man). Few fans might take offence of it, for the rest of the common mortals the performance of the actress is reason enough to justify her presence. Rachel McAdams is also perfect in the role of the ex-lover always ready to help a Benedict Cumberbatch in distress. She plays marvellously the point of reality in this fantastic world and, at the same time, does not lose her importance in the story, in spite of her very secondary role on-screen. Nothing wrong either with the rest of the cast. Finally, special mention for Doctor Strange’s cloak, which is almost a character by itself, but I won’t say too much more…
Regarding the direction, the fans of visual effects will not be disappointed. The spectators are offered a veritable feast for the eyes (and probably cannot help but think about Christopher Nolan’s film Inception, during the scenes of reality distortion). With psychedelic colours, effect of mirrors and upside down sets, the direction is very beautiful and does not give you giddy at any time. Everything takes place with a lot of fluidity and in the most natural manner. The fight scenes are well-managed and – it is rare enough to underline it ! – do not last an excessively long time, which allows to give a good dynamics to the film.
It is also necessary to thank the screenwriters for the good dose of humour injected into the film. It gives a little of lightness to a film which could become quickly heavy. The humour is neither rude nor a schoolboy one and plays instead with funny contemporary references. The sight gags are not missing, while remaining subtle and without ever wasting the acts.
If you wish to be well entertained by a film, Doctor Strange is what you need. Little warning all the same: if fantasy universes are not your cup of tea, move on…
[imdb id=tt1211837]