Variety
Director David Lynch has created an eerily compelling atmosphere in recounting a hideously deformed man's perilous life in Victorian England.
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The Elephant Man
Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt star in David Lynch's film based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man in 19th century London. Nominated for eight Academy Awards and winner of Best Film and Best Actor (Hurt) at the 1981 BAFTA awards.
Dr. Frederic Treves (Hopkins) discovers Joseph Merrick (Hurt) in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the 'Elephant Man.' Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul, and that Merrick can teach the British upper class of the time a lesson about dignity. Merrick becomes the toast of London and charms a caring actress (Anne Bancroft) before his death at 27.
Less1980Rating: PG, Violence124 minsUSA, UK
DramaTrue Story & Biography
- Director:
- David Lynch ('Mulholland Drive', 'Blue Velvet', 'Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me')
- Writer:
- Christopher De VoreEric BergrenDavid Lynch
- Cast:
- Anthony HopkinsJohn HurtAnne BancroftJohn GielgudWendy HillerFreddie JonesMichael ElphickHannah Gordon
The Elephant Man | Awards
Won Best Actor (Hurt), Best Film and Best Production Design (Stuart Craig) at the 1981 BAFTA awards.
The Elephant Man | Reviews
93%54 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Total Film
The playing is finely judged, the black-and-white cinematography is effective and the whole thing manages to be truly moving in a way that overcomes all the "I am not an animal!" schmaltz.
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The New York Times
What we eventually see underneath this shell is not 'the study in dignity' that Ashley Montagu wrote about, but something far more poignant, a study in genteelness that somehow suppressed all rage.
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Roger Ebert
I kept asking myself what the film was really trying to say about the human condition as reflected by John Merrick, and I kept drawing blanks.
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Empire Magazine
A very rich film, confident enough in its emotional core to get away with broadstrokes like the villainous performances of Freddie Jones and Michael Elphick as rotten exploiters.
Full reviewThe Elephant Man | Release Details
The Elephant Man is available to stream in New Zealand now on Apple TV and Academy On Demand.