The Elephant Man

1980 • 123 minutes
4.6
108 reviews
92%
Tomatometer
PG
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

All the human spirit needs to thrive...is a chance. In one of his most legendary films, director David Lynch chronicles the intense emotional journey of a complex, lonely man and the dedicated surgeon who changed his life. John Merrick (John Hurt) was born with a horribly disfiguring congenital disease, and suffered the humiliation of being a sideshow freak. Only when London doctor Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, RED DRAGON) rescues him does Merrick begin to regain the life of dignity and respect that everyone deserves. Based on a true story, the critically acclaimed, Oscar®-nominated film has earned its place in cinematic history. Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud and Wendy Hiller lend moving performances to an already powerful story. Visually fascinating and historically relevant, Lynch has created a haunting masterpiece of compassion, beauty and ultimately, humanity.
Rating
PG

Ratings and reviews

4.6
108 reviews
LexMc0606
April 12, 2019
Honestly, I haven't watched the movie, but I've seen scenes and the trailer, and I honestly think Merrick had it harder than any other kid at the time. And he had to cope with every single abnormal thing about him in public! It gets a little rough when you have to cope with something about you that isn't considered "publicly normal." Take it from me: I was born with a Hare lip, and had to get surgery to close it and in turn make my nose crooked. I have to cope with that! I'm in John's shoes now!
Bobbi Potts
July 27, 2014
Heading says it all. As a child, I was forced to watch this film as punishment. Over time, it became symbolic to me of the struggles between class, gender, etc. Still a powerful film for me with commanding performances. "I am a human being" still brings me to tears
Mary-Ann Thorson
January 28, 2021
Human cruelty is like no other and know one knew this better than John Merrick ,He was even more fortunate to have found that there were people that looked deeper to see his beautiful heart ..This is an incredible movie by David Lynch