The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man is a black and white cinematic masterpiece by David Lynch, with memorably subtle and searing performances from Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt. Since this drama is based on a true case study of extreme physical developmental deformity, it may have been too painful to watch the suffering of Joseph Merrick, called John Merrick in the script, in colour. Lynch systematically juxtaposes cruelty shown towards the afflicted gentleman, with scenes demonstrating the opposite approach of kindness and compassion, most notably from the character played by Anthony Hopkins, the surgeon Frederick Treves, who tries to help Merrick and treat him with dignity, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales. This creates the perception that the society of the time was sharply divided into the morally dubious and the civilised. The film succeeds both as a moral fable and as a period piece. It is beautifully acted and filmed.

Just a treat to have in my collection. Unfortunately the US haven’t released it but I’m glad I was able to import it

Gorgeous restoration. Unfortunately however, the film still feels like a stage production in its feel and many artistic liberties were taken with the source material in order to appeal to audiences. This renders much of the story fictionalised and hence somewhat undermines it since, it reduces the film to a story largely of ridicule and intolerance that did not actually occur. Any ideas the viewer may be inclined to have regarding the real world and the nature of people on the basis that the events depicted here occurred are thus invalid.

Excellent 2020 re-release with a bonus disc. Most people will be familiar with the story of the Elephant Man. The film is a classic & this edition has a very good bonus disc well worth a watch. It includes a short documentary on John "Joseph" Merrick which gives the true timeline of events. Also interviews with David Lynch(Directed & Wrote the screenplay). An In-depth interview with John Hurt is very good. Mel Brooks was the Executive Producer but kept his name out of public view because everybody would think it was a parody upon release. The movie is an emotionally charged journey of hope & despair brilliantly displayed by John Hurt & Anthony Hopkins. A classic.

I've received great movie in damaged case.

I already had a 1-disc edition of this classic British movie,without extras,so when I discovered that a 40th anniversary 2-DVD edition was being released,I just had to buy it,and I am so glad I did.John Hurt is absolutely superb in his heartbreaking role of John Merrick,a man ostracized by nineteenth century society,cruelly abused by being paraded in a freak show,because of his terrible facial deformities. He is rescued by the kindly Dr Frederick Treves,(an equally superb performance by the future Sir Anthony Hopkins) who gradually introduces him to a London that had previously shunned him.Also in brilliant supporting roles are Anne Bancroft and Sir John Gielgud,to name a few. A thoroughly excellent true story. A British masterpiece.

One of my favourite films since my early teens. Had so many copies disappeared over the years. Videos and DVD. Now my first Blu-ray copy. I will be guarding it with my life.

Excellent if you like film and haven’t seen this before buy it now your in for a treat David lynchs best film in my opinion.