The Elephant Man (1980)

October 3, 2022 3:20 PM

Dr. Frederic Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers Joseph (John) Merrick (John Hurt) in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the "Elephant Man." Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul, and that Merrick can teach the stodgy British upper class of the time a lesson about dignity.

Also starring Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, and Freddie Jones.

Directed by David Lynch. Screenplay by Christopher De Vore & Eric Bergren & David Lynch.

92% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Streaming in the US free on hoopla and free with ads on Pluto TV. Also available for digital rental on multiple outlets. JustWatch listing.

posted by DirtyOldTown (5 comments total)

This is such a good movie. There’s still some Eraserhead genetics rolling around in it, but it’s also a more polished, and cohesive movie. I know a lot of people are hesitant to watch it, but they really should give it a try.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:12 PM on October 4, 2022 [2 favorites]

Some heart-breaking moments in this, especially at the end when Merrick finally lays his head down *sniffle*
posted by Saxon Kane at 2:10 PM on October 4, 2022 [3 favorites]

David Lynch on FF Guide:

• Eraserhead
• Dune
• Blue Velvet
• Twin Peaks inc. original series and The Return
• Wild at Heart
• Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
• Lost Highway
• The Straight Story
• Mulholland Drive
• Inland Empire

posted by DirtyOldTown at 2:11 PM on January 16

I watched this movie when I was pretty young. 6? 7? And I watched it again and again -- the 1980s were a very Elephant Man decade. A few years ago I tried watching it again, and I made it barely 15 minutes in before I had to bail. It was just too much to bear, both the sadness and the realization that I was watching this along with Sesame Street, cartoons, etc.
posted by cupcakeninja at 10:53 AM on January 20 [2 favorites]

Yeah, I watched it when I was small, I'm interested in seeing it again, all I have are strange synesthetic memories
posted by eustatic at 6:09 PM on January 22 [1 favorite]