Description
Doctor Strange, a 2016 action-fantasy film, existing exists as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Created as a part of an ongoing series of films, this movie manages to both tell its own, unique story and provide a set upsetup for future installations in the franchise. The plot follows Dr. Steven Strange, a prodigal, but egotistical surgeon. After losing control of his hands in an accident, the man is unable to do his work properly and falls into a serious depression, breaking ties with the woman he loves. Having exhausted all available options, the man travels to a factional city in Nepal. Upon arrival, Strange finds himself involved with a secret organization that uses mystic powers outside of human logic. Having received training and spiritual guidance, the man learns magic arts and becomes involved in a fight against evil.
Analysis
It is especially interesting to discuss the role Asian mysticism plays in the movie. Many of the concepts employed by the filmmakers are borrowed from existing systems of belief and eastern cultures. Although the organization, Kamar-Taj, is entirely fictional, it uses established preconceptions of mystical powers. Concepts such as meditation, astral projection, eternal struggles between good and evil, and many others are all a part of the fictional movement and are rooted in oriental culture. Spells used by the character are in Sanskrit and contain references to the Hindu myth (Perry). Even the clothing choices of the characters affiliated with Kamar-Taj reflect that. This movie introduces many of non-western spiritual concepts to the general audience and makes the topic approachable and curious to the viewer. Generally, concepts of eastern philosophy used in pop-culture are seen by westerners as exotic, and the film capitalizes on that to deliver its message.
Interpretation
The story of the movie is constrained by the need to fit within an established cinematic universe and appeal to the common viewer. Mystic and cultural aspects of the oriental culture are briefly explored in service of keeping a reasonable pace and runtime.
Evaluation
It seems like the spiritual aspects of the film was severely underexplored, although utilized in an interesting manner. The practices of spirituality and mysticism are used by the movie primarily to offset the beliefs of the main character and are not deeply explored. The film often chooses to throw abstract concepts and ideas at the audience without commitment to fully dwelling on them. Much of the substance of Kamar-Taj’s belief system and teaching is shown to contrast with the materialistic outlook of Steven Strange (Chichizola). While the Dichotomy created by this approach is interesting to observe, it does not allow the audience to fully grasp the structure and beliefs of the organization. The spiritual practices of the film also suffer because of its inherent nature as an action movie. The need to portray dynamic events, keep the audience engaged, and tell a dynamic story leaves no time for the deeper concepts to be explored. Dr. Strange’s time training is interrupted by the arrival of the villain and his supporters, and after that point, the film does not have the ability to return back to established concepts. Overall, many of the themes, set pieces, and practices of mysticism are only used as a justification for the main character’s superpowers. Strange’s training at Kamar-Taj gives him some interesting backstory but does not have much bearing on his subsequent life. The film is more content in focusing on the personal drama of the man and his struggle to combat evil.
Engagement
My critique focuses on the spiritual aspects of the movie instead of analyzing the plot, characters or themes, making it substantially different from other reviews.
Works Cited
Perry, Allie. “Dr. Strange: Mysticism, Magic and Marvel.” The Hub, 2016, Web.
Chichizola, Corey. “What Doctor Strange Is Really About, According To The Director.” CINEMABLEND, CINEMABLEND, 2018, Web.