The Elephant Man

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Film Description

The story of John Merrick, grossly deformed and exploited as a fairground freak until rescued by a compassionate doctor who treats him with kindness and intelligence. Powerful and moving, Lynch raises the veil on human brutality and voyeurism in his multiple Oscar-nominated film.

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Review by Andrew Lowe-Watson on 8th August 2005

One of the great compassionate texts in the history of storytelling, alongside Oliver Twist , Notre Dame and Beauty and the Beast, this film shines as brightly as the murky Victorian underworld it portrays shrouds and obscures. By rescuing the gentle, cultured Merrick from the truly monstrous life of a circus freak, Treves uncovers the steaming squalor of a world where decency demands that 'creatures' like this are hidden from public view. John Hurt's astonishing performance, conveying feelings and complex emotions from beneath a gigantic latex mask, never fails to move, as does the highly effective and sensitive score by John Morris. Barber's Adagio for Strings will never sound the same again once you have seen this wonderful film.

Review by Ian Maddix on 18th October 2001

Based on the true story of John Merrick, a victorian celebrity, made famous by his unfortunate grotesque deformities, the Elephant Man is for me Lynch's finest film. Beautifully shot, Lynch portrays the bleak and dismal Victorian era with an almost Dickensian grace.
Discovered in a freak show by a prolific and ambitious doctor(Anthony Hopkins),John Merrick(John Hurt)is rescued and cared for in hospital until the end of his days. Ironically John Merrick's intellect was well above average thus making his plight in life all the more upsetting.
What makes this film particularly interesting is the fact that it is not just a romantic depiction of a brave doctor saving some poor wretch from the clutches of the evil freak show master. Indeed it raises interesting questions about doing the right things for the wrong reasons, and exposes the fickle nature of societies and their fadish interests.
With magnificent performances by all the leading actors this has to be one of the most moving films you will ever see it never fails to have me in floods of tears so keep the tissues close at hand!! 10/10

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Review by Hannah Dixon on 18th April 2001

I found this film gripping and very realistic. It had suspense, but it was a rather gentle sort of suspense. It brought to life the pain having such a severe disfigurement but at the same time also seemed to be comforting. The way in which Dr. Treves treated John Merrick and how all of a sudden it fills you with hope that Merrick has found a friend in Treves after years of suffering and fear of people.
I also thought that Hannah Gordon was brilliant as Treves' wife. She portrayed her wonderfully and suited such a gentle role. It was a shame that she didn't have a larger part, but she was still marvellous!
The whole cast was absolutely first class and I always learn something new every time I watch the film.
Well done to all those involved in it!

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Article - "David Lynch" by Alex Jenkins
Tuesday 1st January 2002

With Eraserhead in 1976 David Lynch emerged as a filmmaker; his style seemingly fully formed. He now stands firmly in the midst of directors who have an approach so unique that others are judged by their work. And yet, a 'David Lynch' moment is a term frequent...  View article in full

Article - "David Lynch: A Maverick from Montana" by Mike McCahill
Friday 9th March 2007

2007 will be an especially good year for aficionados of David Lynch.
March alone sees his latest film Inland Empire arriving in cinemas, the re-release of 2002’s Mulholland Dr. as a Special Edition DVD with new, Lynch-approved chapter headings amon...  View article in full

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