Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (John Hurt), called John Merrick in the film, a severely deformed man in 19th century London. He is rescued from an abusive carnival show by a surgeon (Anthony Hopkins) and taken to London hospital where he is studied and taken care of. Based on two books, THE ELEPHANT MAN: A STUDY IN HUMAN DIGNITY by Ashley Montagu and THE ELEPHANT MAN AND OTHER REMINISCENCES by Frederick Treves and directed by David Lynch (BLUE VELVET). The first mainstream movie by the visionary Lynch, this is a beautifully crafted and poignant film though often difficult to watch. The human cruelty is hard to take and Lynch doesn't allow us to look away. That John Hurt was able to give such a strong performance under all that prosthetic make up is truly remarkable. The striking B&W cinematography is by the great Freddie Francis (ROOM AT THE TOP). With Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie Jones, Michael Elphick, Lesley Dunlop and John Standing.
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