Meet Doctor Strange. If you think this movie is just like every other superhero movie, think again.
Many new dimensions
Doctor Stephen Strange (Bendict Cumberbatch), known as the Master of the Mystic Arts, first appeared in Marvel comics in 1963. He’s unique to Marvel because he is able to unlock parallel dimensions, alternate dimensions and the multiverse, making him closer to physicist Stephen Hawking than Superman. In a sense, he’s an explorer of what is possible once humans fully understand quantum mechanics, the branch of physics dealing with processes involving atoms and photons. Many of the concepts Strange explores haven’t been proven but are theoretically possible.
It’s an origin story
Like most first-time superhero movies, Doctor Strange is an origin story, meaning it tells the story of Doctor Strange before he gained his powers and how he gained them. This type of story is important in mythology to clearly define the main character and designate the rules of his or her universe. Once the origin story is in place, numerous other stories can be told about the main character and other supporting characters.
Inspired by M.C. Escher
Just like other mind-bending films like Inception, many of the sets and sequences in Doctor Strange are designed to look like the mathematically inspired “impossible” drawings by M.C. Escher. His drawings use optical illusions to trick the eye. This particular drawing is called “Relativity.”
Inspired by ‘Star Wars’
Doctor Strange isn’t the only movie to take inspiration from the window on the Death Star from Star Wars, but it sure gave that window an upgrade.
At the Sanctum Sanctorum, the round window in the Chamber of Relics is called the Oculus. The lines contained within the window are not only beautifully placed but also imply a deconstructed circle with many algebraic curves, all pointing back to the mystical number pi.
Cloak of Levitation
According to Doctor Strange mythology, the earthy-red Cloak of Levitation is a 12th century design by the weaver Enitharmon. It is a magical garment that allows the wearer to fly and levitate. Just like a person, the cloak can choose to act of its own free will or follow the commands of an authority figure.
But Doctor Strange isn’t the only person to have a special cloak. In the biblical book of Genesis, Joseph is given a “coat of many colors,” identifying him both as special by his father and as a source of scorn for his jealous brothers. Joseph may either act on his own free will or take command from his father.
In general, cloaks are meant to be mysterious because of their ability to hide things underneath. In the Harry Potter series, James Potter owned a cloak of invisibility.
Science vs. magic
Although Doctor Strange’s world is inspired by scientific theories, that doesn’t mean good old magic and mysticism can’t also play a big role in the film. The field of science stops at our ability to prove what we can or can’t see. Magic or mysticism transcends human understanding of that which is scientific, factual and provable. Mysticism is not a lack of science but the idea that we humbly recognize we know very little about how the universe works. Because Doctor Strange is a former surgeon, his mind is trained in the scientific method, and after his car accident, he searches for some type of bigger meaning to go along with his science.
Eye of Agamotto
Inspired by the all-seeing eye of the Buddha, this amulet creates an ethereal light through which Doctor Strange can see the reality and truth behind any disguise or falsehood. He can also use the Eye of Agamotto to read other people’s thoughts and feelings.
But the eye has been used as a powerful symbol by many cultures. In ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus was used as a symbol of protection, royal power and good health.
On our own dollar bill, the eye above the pyramid is called the Eye of Providence, or the all-seeing eye. A Masonic symbol, it is meant as a reminder that God is watching you.
Book of Vishanti
This magic manual of spells, sorcery and wizardry helps Doctor Strange perform “white magic,” or magic that only has positive, helpful results. Because he has a photographic memory, he learns the spells very quickly, making his mind like an encyclopedia of magic.
A hermit called the Ancient One
Doctor Strange seeks out a mystic in the Himalayas known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). At first, the Ancient One refuses to help Doctor Strange because he’s a selfish jerk, but the egotistical doctor eventually convinces this sorcerer to teach him magic and the mystical arts.
Orb of Agamotto
This occult orb works like a crystal ball, allowing Doctor Strange to see into the future. Sound familiar? The orb made a cameo appearance in the movie Thor in 2011.
Astral plane
The astral plane is an alternate dimension composed of the energy, consciousness and spirit of all matter. Doctor Strange is able to view and travel through this dimension by separating his spiritual form from his physical body and not be visible to humans.
Dark Dimension
The Dark Dimension is a violent, hostile alternate dimension that exists outside any known human concept of life, death, time or morality. The Dark Dimension does not intersect with our own plane of existence.
Mirror Dimension
The Mirror Dimension is an alternate dimension composed of dark matter and mirrors normal reality. Dark forces can manipulate this world, an ever-present reflection of reality in which space and matter can be folded to make gateways to travel great distances in an instant. Its effects can only be felt by people trapped in the Mirror Dimension.
What dimension fascinates you?
If you like a little mysticism with your superhero movies, you’re going to love Doctor Strange. The film opens in theaters today.
Leave a Comment