DOCTOR STRANGE has always been one of those 'on-the-fence' characters for me. I’ve never hated him, but he’s never been postered all across my walls either. Even with his mini-boom in the 70s which included some far-out art and a movie, I still really preferred the shield throwers and laser blasters. But by the great Eye of Agamotto, and after one viewing of this teaser trailer, I think it’s time I start to get a little stranger.
Right off the bat, one of my biggest feelings I got from this trailer was one thing... origin story.
I felt like Marvel was really trying to make an effort to play on the origins of Dr. Stephen Strange, all the way from his beginnings as a cocky surgeon to his journey to see The Ancient One. In a way, his beginnings are often similar to that of the current Marvel torch-bearer through the first few Phases of films, Tony Stark. His story has that same feel that Tony’s did... grief due to past sins, redemption and a heroic resurgence.
To me, it almost feels like DOCTOR STRANGE could become the new IRON MAN for the next Phases of Marvel movies. He could become that almost ringleader in a sense, who ties everything together. When it comes time for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, it’s not crazy to think we could have the Sorcerer Supreme leading the pack.
Along those same lines as the IRON MAN films, something that I think is really going to make this film stick out is really the life, destruction and rebirth of Stephen Strange; a complete cycle of almost life and death within a character.
Marvel is presenting us a story of a character who goes into a vicious cycle. Almost more than anything we’ve ever seen so far. More than Steve Rogers just not being able to get used to an iPhone, the world and everything Stephen Strange has ever known is going to completely be turned inside-out.
And of course we can’t forget the good stuff. This film is the first Marvel project where we’re being introduced to the supernatural side of storytelling. There really is no better character to help carry that aspect into the cinematic universe then DOCTOR STRANGE. With that comes his very unique skill-set and powers, like his ability of astral projection, an ability that will be entertaining enough to see him practice it; let alone use it in battle.
With those powers comes someone who has to teach them. Enter The Ancient One. Besides casting a phenomenal actress (Tilda Swinton) and using a very interesting and mysterious fictional character. Marvel is doing something fantastic with The Ancient One. It’s disregarding gender. I firmly believe, as a nerd and consumer of all things Marvel, that doing this will open a door for Marvel when it comes to characters down the road. It will let them play around to get the best version possible of whoever it may be, regardless of gender.
With our hero... we also have to have our villain. Who at the current time, we don’t know much about. Mads Mikkelsen has been cast in the upcoming role which we know only as a rouge practitioner of sorcery. But there have been whispers that his character has ties to one of the Infinity Stones... so chances are he’s not someone to be reckoned with. Dormammu host body maybe???
I hope there are many moments like this in the film. Even though there are some out there who have already started the Inception comparisons, other-worldly, mind-bending moments like this are what’s going to make this film special.
When it comes to would be villains and adversaries, we can’t forget Baron (Karl) Mordo, played by the talented Chiwetel Ejiofor. My biggest qualm so far on him is that Marvel hasn’t openly said if he really is a villain or not.
Regardless of if DOCTOR STRANGE becomes the new IRON MAN for the next Phase of Marvel Studios; we need that big picture villain again, especially now that Tom Hiddleston is allegedly hanging up the horns as Loki. I could see Mordo being more of an anti-hero during the course of the film until Dr. Strange becomes full Doctor Strange... then his enemy is born.
I don’t know if I would truly do this future film, trailer and character justice if I didn’t bring up how much emphasis his hands played in this trailer. Numerous shots in this film show his hands, whether he was prepping for surgery, had his hands full of metal after his accident or bearded and shaking with tremors.
His hands play a HUGE part in his gifts as a surgeon and his powers as a Master of the Mystic Arts. I suggest watching that moment in the trailer when he’s washing his hands again. With the elegance and grace that he’s moving, it’s more like he’s vanquishing an evil spirit to the bowels of the underworld instead of prepping for surgery.
And of course, that ending. THAT ENDING. We have Doctor Strange walking in what appears to be full hero garb, into the upper levels of the Sanctum Santorum. Not much, but it without a doubt lets us know that we will see him spells blazing and long cloaked at some point in this movie.
We also get a clear look at the Seal of the Vishanti. That, along with numerous mystical symbols throughout the trailer, will pay huge and STRANGE dividends down the line.
Written by Mark Storey, Trailer Breakdowns -- Click here to read Mark's posts
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