The Infinite Possibility

Rating: 10/10 (6 November 2016)

In "Doctor Strange" The Ancient One played by Tilda Swinton implores Stephen Strange played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who suffers to save his very soul, "Surrender, Stephen." Stephen must surrender to not knowing anything. Only then, can he begin to reclaim his power and his life. This is an awesome surprise. Director Scott Derrickson's "Doctor Strange" is about transformation in the guise of an action movie, done with a sense of humor. Cumberbatch's Strange invents himself when the old definition of himself no longer works, and in fact is killing him. This invention is perhaps, the most noble of human pursuits. Capturing the poignancy with a sense of humor and "Beyonce'" jokes possesses an enlightened sensibility. "Doctor Strange" aspires for the heavens and never takes itself too seriously.
Acknowledge Derrickson, Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill for writing the brilliant story based on the comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Signatures of the 1960's comic book materialize in the mind-bending psychedelic visuals. The "Doctor Strange" comics debuted during the time of Timothy Leary and the consciousness expansion movement. This "Doctor Strange" is visually masterful. With the folding metropolis visuals, and M.C. Escher generated mazes, Derrickson one ups Christopher Nolan's "Inception". His story is homage to the hero origin of Nolan's "Batman Begins". The exquisite martial arts sequences remind of the grace of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and the fluidity of "The Matrix". "Doctor Strange" is still uniquely its own about powerful sorcerers defending the world from mystical threats on infinite planes of existence. Here this is done sans drugs, happily.
Cumberbatch and Swinton have profound magic together. Marvel is astounding in choosing amazing actors, who transcend the medium with grace and humanity. Even with spectacular showcase battles of good and evil, the best scene occurs in the New York emergency room with Strange and The Ancient One. The Ancient One touchingly tells Strange what she sees beyond his arrogance and fear. I was in tears with the resolve. Noble ideas and powerful actors truly make "Doctor Strange" special.
Much has been discussed about casting Swinton as The Ancient One, originally written as an Asian character. I am Japanese American, aware of the sensitivity of the issue. I think Swinton is the best actor cast, and she delivers the message of nobility in all of us.
"Doctor Strange" has somewhat of a trite beginning. Trite in the sense that we see the possibility of the world class jerk becoming the selfless hero. Dr. Stephen Strange is the brilliant egotistical neurosurgeon caught up in his own celebrity. He is handsome, rich, and virtually immortal. His arrogance alienated his true love Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), a courageous ER doctor. McAdams is amazing; her Christine allows us to see the good man in Strange beneath it all. Unfortunately, she isn't leveraged more. She has a heartbreaking scene with Strange, whose self pity destroys all.
Strange suffers a devastating car accident resulting in irreparable nerve damage to his hands. His career is over. His definition of himself is no longer. Having exhausted all surgical and rehabilitation avenues, Strange seeks out Jonathan Pangborn (solid Benjamin Bratt). Pangborn was a paraplegic, who miraculously cured himself. He instructs Strange to learn from The Ancient One in Kamar-Taj in Nepal. Strange travels to Kathmandu. He befriends Mordo (charismatic and calm Chiwetel Ejiofor), a powerful sorcerer warrior. He accompanies Stephen to The Ancient One, who is Sorcerer Supreme—protector of our realm from dimensional evil. The Ancient One sees possibility in Stephen, but his biggest obstacle is himself.
The Ancient One's best disciple Kaecilius (dangerous Mads Mikkelsen) has gone rogue, murdering his own and stealing a page from the magic book of Elders. The spells empower him to control time and serve the omnipotent Dormammu. Kaecilius is ruthless; however, he is a compelling villain in that his motives are laced with worthy intentions. The Ancient One may have also compromised herself in the battle of good and evil. "Doctor Strange" is about the Yin and Yang of the universes. Strange accepts the greater good and the consequences. His dear friend and protector Mordo can only see the dark and light. Balance lies in compassion and acceptance. There is no Yin and Yang in the extremes which is prophetic.
"Doctor Strange" is a great movie. Michio Kaku said that there may be infinite number of universes, much like the Multiverse of "Doctor Strange". There is both wonder and comfort in this. The Ancient One saw infinite possibility in Stephen Strange. Perhaps "Doctor Strange" asks us see the infinite possibility within ourselves.