Analysis of Character Development and Related Themes in Doctor Strange
Abstract (300 words maximum)
My presentation offers a close character analysis of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Steven Strange from the 2016 film Doctor Strange, and how the themes of the film affect and relate to Strange’s character development. At the beginning of the film, Strange is an egotistical, arrogant genius. As a scientist, he believes only in what can be physically observed, and as a result he has no empathy because he overlooks a person’s emotions or soul, taking instead a cold, strictly corporal approach to his work. As an example, we see this when Strange views his patients as only whatever it is that ails them rather than as individuals. This is not a suitable personality for a hero, and so this origin story must violently tear Strange off his pedestal and destroy the man he used to be so that a better man can be born out of a newfound sense of humility. Strange is placed in a setting where he is out of his element, which means he is no longer the best man in the room for the job and must look up to others in order to learn. It is these lessons he receives from his new mentors that enable him to become selfless. When he and others around him are put in danger, he prioritizes others before himself for the first time. Another major theme of Doctor Strange is time. This appears in multiple forms, both obvious and more subtle, throughout the film. In one case, Strange learns that his life has meaning because he has limited time. It is precious because it’s fleeting, and Strange uses this revelation to assist him in his final confrontation. In this presentation, I will explore both of these themes and the way in which the screenwriter weaves the themes throughout the narrative to develop Strange’s character arc.
Analysis of Character Development and Related Themes in Doctor Strange
My presentation offers a close character analysis of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Steven Strange from the 2016 film Doctor Strange, and how the themes of the film affect and relate to Strange’s character development. At the beginning of the film, Strange is an egotistical, arrogant genius. As a scientist, he believes only in what can be physically observed, and as a result he has no empathy because he overlooks a person’s emotions or soul, taking instead a cold, strictly corporal approach to his work. As an example, we see this when Strange views his patients as only whatever it is that ails them rather than as individuals. This is not a suitable personality for a hero, and so this origin story must violently tear Strange off his pedestal and destroy the man he used to be so that a better man can be born out of a newfound sense of humility. Strange is placed in a setting where he is out of his element, which means he is no longer the best man in the room for the job and must look up to others in order to learn. It is these lessons he receives from his new mentors that enable him to become selfless. When he and others around him are put in danger, he prioritizes others before himself for the first time. Another major theme of Doctor Strange is time. This appears in multiple forms, both obvious and more subtle, throughout the film. In one case, Strange learns that his life has meaning because he has limited time. It is precious because it’s fleeting, and Strange uses this revelation to assist him in his final confrontation. In this presentation, I will explore both of these themes and the way in which the screenwriter weaves the themes throughout the narrative to develop Strange’s character arc.