The Elephant Man

David Lynch is a director best known for his wacky, insane films that leave you uncomfortable by the time the credits role. His Blue Velvet left me feeling that way, and made Dennis Hopper far creepier than I thought possible. But with The Elephant Man, Lynch has directed a film that maintains his signature style, yet is more comprehensible than some of his others. It is nice to know he is capable of these down-to-earth movies, but can also deliver those psychologically twisted films he will be forever remembered for.

Elephant Man follows the story of John Merrick (John Hurt), a man who lived during mid- to late-1800s. And what was special about him? His disfigurement, which gave him the titular nickname and left him an outcast by society. That is, until, Dr. Frederick Tereves (Anthony Hopkins) seeks to help him. The story is true (for the most part) and touching. So it helps that the script is sound, the directing spot on, and the acting superb. Hurt as the physically defective Elephant Man is at his finest here, but he always brings an intensity to any role he plays. The black and white coloring of the film might turn some off, but it does work perfectly for the story and time period.

Genre - Drama (3.5)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (4)
Production (3)
Directing (4)