The Elephant Man (1980) Review

The Elephant Man is a 1980 biographical drama film directed by David Lynch and produced by Mel Brooks. The movie is based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, who lived in the 19th century and was known as "The Elephant Man" due to a severe case of deformities.

The film follows the story of John Merrick (John Hurt), a severely deformed man who is exploited by a circus owner until he is rescued by Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins). Treves brings Merrick to a hospital, where he is cared for by the staff and eventually becomes a celebrity of sorts in Victorian society.

The movie is a moving and powerful exploration of the human condition, focusing on the themes of compassion, empathy, and the struggle for acceptance. It is a stunning piece of cinema, with a compelling story, fantastic performances, and beautiful cinematography.

One of the key strengths of The Elephant Man is the performance of John Hurt as John Merrick. Hurt's portrayal of Merrick is incredibly moving and nuanced, capturing the character's pain, intelligence, and humanity. Despite the heavy makeup and prosthetics used to create Merrick's deformities, Hurt is able to convey a tremendous amount of emotion through his eyes and body language.

Anthony Hopkins is also fantastic as Dr. Treves, portraying the character as a compassionate and caring individual who is initially drawn to Merrick out of a sense of curiosity but soon develops a deep affection for him. Hopkins' performance is subtle and understated, allowing the character's actions to speak for themselves.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with strong performances from Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Kendal, a prominent actress who befriends Merrick, and John Gielgud as Carr Gomm, the administrator of the hospital where Merrick is treated.

The cinematography in The Elephant Man is also outstanding, with beautiful black-and-white images that capture the dark, moody atmosphere of Victorian London. Lynch's direction is masterful, creating a sense of both beauty and horror as the camera lingers on the deformities of Merrick's body and the harsh realities of life in the city.

The movie also features a powerful score by composer John Morris, which adds to the film's emotional impact. The use of music is particularly effective in the scenes where Merrick is first introduced to high society, with the swelling strings and triumphant horns emphasizing the character's newfound status as a celebrity.

One of the key themes of The Elephant Man is the struggle for acceptance and the human need for compassion and empathy. Throughout the film, Merrick is treated as a freak and an object of curiosity by those around him, with only a few individuals recognizing his humanity and treating him with kindness and respect.

The film also explores the concept of identity, with Merrick struggling to define himself in a world that sees him only as his deformities. The scene where Merrick recites the 23rd Psalm is particularly powerful, as he asserts his identity as a human being with a soul and a spirit, despite his physical appearance.

The Elephant Man also touches on the darker side of human nature, with characters such as the circus owner Bytes (Freddie Jones) and the hospital's night porter (Michael Elphick) exploiting Merrick for their own gain. These characters serve as a reminder that even in the midst of compassion and empathy, there are those who will seek to take advantage of the vulnerable.

Overall, The Elephant Man is a stunning achievement in cinema, a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition that remains relevant and impactful more than 40 years after its release. It is a testament to the power of film to capture the complexities of the human experience and to inspire empathy and understanding in its audience.