Doctor Strange director, Scott Derrickson, is known for two things: horror and Marvel. His epic vision and style shine through in films like Sinister and The Day the Earth Stood Still. And yet, fans weep over the scandal-ridden production of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness.
An IP that should have remained in the hands of Derrickson, the changing of the old guard to bring in Sam Raimi was a decision praised by many. However, with time, regrets surface, and missed opportunities are realized as fans grasp the true scale of Scott Derrickson’s vision.
![Doctor Strange (2016) [Credit: Marvel Studios]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/27084145/Doctor-Strange-2016-Credit-Marvel-Studios.jpg)
Doctor Strange Was Always Destined for Greatness
There are truly one or two things in this world that are worthy of being called the stuff of legends. Among monuments, it’s the Giza Necropolis; in literature, Homer’s Iliad; and, of course, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey when it comes to film. Anything that succeeds these three things in time is merely a replica of the original.
However, to use the teachings of these legendary relics and implement and incorporate them into modern 21st-century society is an effort worthy of commendation. Scott Derrickson does exactly that – he borrowed an idea that made Lawrence of Arabia and 2001: A Space Odyssey such immortal classics to make his mark in the vast landscape of cinema.
In his effort to bring a little bit of cinematic grandeur to the Marvel superhero universe, Scott Derrickson used the Panavision Super Wide Angle lens while filming the exterior shots in Kathmandu, Nepal in the MCU Phase Three film, Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
His style and the use of the Super Wide Angle lens are reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s unforgettable opening sequence that charts the sunset-hued horizon of Earth. Shots abound in the film that tries to match the scale of that epic intro that first waded into the murky trenches of AI and the ever-relevant war between man and machine.
The large field of view that is captured by the wide-angle lens gives the viewers a distorted view of reality as the audience sees the world in a panoramic, telephoto scope. The rendered effect, as a result, puts the audience in HAL’s shoes as we see the world in all its glory all at once. At par with David Lean’s 1962 epic, Lawrence of Arabia, Kubrick’s 1968 film captures a vision that is too magnificent for the naked eye – an effect that Derrickson later attempted to filter into his MCU feature.
Marvel Fans Owe Doctor Strange Director an Apology
![Benedict Cumberbatch and Scott Derrickson on set in the Santorum [Credit: Jay Maidment ©2016 Marvel]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/27084155/Benedict-Cumberbatch-and-Scott-Derrickson-on-set-in-the-Santorum-Credit-Jay-Maidment-%C2%A92016-Marvel.jpg)
Despite the true cinematic vision of Scott Derrickson and his ability to deliver on it, a faction of Marvel fans critiqued the feel, format, and style of Doctor Strange (2016). Granted Derrickson is best known for his work in horror, but his expeditious knowledge of his surroundings and the readiness to adapt grand ideas into bite-sized scale give his films the quiet, introspective, and atmospheric look that they need.
Sam Raimi’s style, on the other hand, is bombastic and in-your-face. His films are easily translated into mainstream media and as such, the bold strokes in Doctor Strange 2 overshadow a dirty truth: that the sequel fails to live up to the standards of Marvel’s true potential. Now, fans have come to slowly realize the fact of the matter:
Holy crap! That’s cinematic royalty.
— David Mueller (@analog_dave) April 27, 2024
Was used for this scene if my memory is correct & never used again after that pic.twitter.com/IFqzxMtksm
— NK (@NaraayanKannan) April 27, 2024
A real piece of history right there! Glad you got to add Doctor Strange to the list. Well done, Mr Derrickson!
— Bradley (@bbjornst89) April 27, 2024
Best Marvel Movie Scott, and a great adaptation of my favorite comic character. Thanks!
— static_tensions (@static_tensions) April 27, 2024
It was a beautiful film.
— A Damned Shame (@amarkb) April 27, 2024
With talks of Marvel heading down a revolutionary path defined by change and evolution, Doctor Strange 3 starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Charlize Theron seems like a sure possibility. As Secret Wars close in on the universe and the superheroes ramp up their action adventures across the galaxy, it won’t be a long wait until the MCU gets back on track after slugging it through Phases Four and Five.
Doctor Strange is available for streaming on DIsney+
