The Elephant Man
Nominated For 8 Academy Awards®
The Elephant Man has been acclaimed by critics the world over for cinematographic excellence and for its outstanding story of the triumph of human dignity over ignorance, prejudice, hatred and fear. Based on a true story, the film examines the complex emotional experiences faced by John Merrick, "The Elephant Man" (Hurt), when he is discovered by a dedicated surgeon (Hopkins). Rescued from his degrading life as a circus freak, Merrick is given a chance to live his last years with comfort, respect and dignity. Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud and Wendy Hiller add their impressive skills in strong supporting roles. An unforgettable motion picture... a remarkable story, remarkably told.
Member Reviews
Elephant Man - Derekstar
This has got to be up there as the greatest unintentional comedy of all time. "I... AM NOT... AN ANIMAL." Combing his hair. Screaming at the mirror. Just wonderful. I'm not sure how much I liked the movie as it was intended to be experienced, though. On the whole I don't generally like David Lynch. I kind of liked this though. The ending was real sad, but I felt as though he was simultaneously trying to get us to judge the gawkers, whilst making us into gawkers ourselves. We're thinking that freak shows are wrong, but watching a freak show ourselves. Bit of a confused message.Brillantly moving! - jungforu
The Elephant Man is a moving movie that challenges the concept of what truly makes a person. The main character, John Merrel, is grossly disformed and forced to work in a side show until he is discovered by a young doctor, who provides him with several years of happiness living in a hospital.
Though at times very slow moving, this movie is a classic, with memorable dialogue and characters filled with compassion and great depth.Moving, absorbing, sensitively written visual feast - clauditorium
Moving, absorbing, sensitively written, Felliniesque tragic story has a rich atmosphere, a breathtaking opening sequence, a beautiful, affecting ending. A visual feast that makes outstanding use of sound and music. The closest David Lynch ever got to making a feel-good movie is really a clear-eyed study of gradations of (in)humanity.
Member Reviews
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Elephant Man - Derekstar
This has got to be up there as the greatest unintentional comedy of all time. "I... AM NOT... AN ANIMAL." Combing his hair. Screaming at the mirror. Just wonderful. I'm not sure how much I liked the movie as it was intended to be experienced, though. ...Brillantly moving! - jungforu
The Elephant Man is a moving movie that challenges the concept of what truly makes a person. The main character, John Merrel, is grossly disformed and forced to work in a side show until he is discovered by a young doctor, who provides him with several years ...Moving, absorbing, sensitively written visual feast - clauditorium
Moving, absorbing, sensitively written, Felliniesque tragic story has a rich atmosphere, a breathtaking opening sequence, a beautiful, affecting ending. A visual feast that makes outstanding use of sound and music. The closest David Lynch ever got to making ...