The Elephant Man (1980)

	Directed by: David Lynch	COUNTRY USA GENRE Biography/Drama NORWEGIAN TITLE Elefantmannen RUNNING TIME 123 minutes
	Produced by: Jonathan Sanger
	Written by: Christopher De Vore Eric Bergren David Lynch

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Dr. Frederick Treves	Anthony Hopkins
John Merrick	John Hurt	½
Ann Treves	Hannah Gordon	-
Madge Kendal	Anne Bancroft
Francis Carr Gomm	John Gielgud
Mrs. Mothershead	Wendy Hiller	-
Mr. Bytes	Freddie Jones	-
Alderman	Frederick Treves	-
Jim Renshaw	Michael Elphick	-
Bytes’ Boy	Dexter Fletcher	-

Review

There's a great sadness running through this story about John Merrick, a man born with severe physical deformities for which he was ridiculed and exploited in the late 1800s, and director David Lynch isn't afraid to let us wallow in his subject's misery. The Elephant Man is far removed from the trademark visual and narrative extravaganza of Lynch's later career; his only indulgence here is the choice of black-and-white cinematography. What he does exhibit, however, is a deep understanding of the humanitarian aspects of the story, and your sympathy for Merrick grows stronger as Lynch gradually lets you creep under his disfigured skin. The film uses clever, almost sly techniques to evoke emotion, but it still feels warranted and well-aimed. John Hurt's performance is so full of physical effort that it almost feels as though he has lived and experienced some of Merrick's hardships himself. His cumbersome prosthetics give his performance weightiness – literally. Also with fine supporting work by Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, and John Gielgud.