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.
- 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
Reviews & comments
"I am not an animal! I am a human being! I... am... a man!"
Yes, I realise that very quote is pasted underneath the title on the letterboxd page for this film: But it's just so damn good. That quote itself, more or less, summarises one of the most prominent themes in the film, a comment on human nature; Our tendency to treat horribly those who are on the more radical sides of the spectrum of...
Variety
pressDirector David Lynch has created an eerily compelling atmosphere in recounting a hideously deformed man's perilous life in Victorian England.
Total Film
pressThe 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.
The New York Times
pressWhat 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.
Roger Ebert
pressI 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.
Empire Magazine
pressA 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.
Variety
pressDirector David Lynch has created an eerily compelling atmosphere in recounting a hideously deformed man's perilous life in Victorian England.
Total Film
pressThe 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.
The New York Times
pressWhat 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.
Roger Ebert
pressI 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.
Empire Magazine
pressA 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.
"I am not an animal! I am a human being! I... am... a man!"
Yes, I realise that very quote is pasted underneath the title on the letterboxd page for this film: But it's just so damn good. That quote itself, more or less, summarises one of the most prominent themes in the film, a comment on human nature; Our tendency to treat horribly those who are on the more radical sides of the spectrum of...
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