The Elephant Man

 

The Elephant Man 1980

• Director: David Lynch
• Seen by this director: The Straight Story, Twin Peaks, Wild at Heart, Dune
• Based on the novel: no
• Cast: Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddy Jones, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Anthony Hopkins – Thor, Bobby, The Human Stain, Titus, Meet Joe Black, Amistad, Surviving Picasso, The Remains of the Day, Howards End, The Silence of the Lambs, 84 Charing Cross Road, Othello, A Lion in Winter
• John Hurt – Snowpiercer, Doctor Who, Only Lovers Left Alive, Merlin, The Hollow Crown, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Harry Potter, Melancholia, Brighton Rock, V for Vendetta, Contact, Dead Man, Rob Roy, Alien, Midnight Express, I Claudius, A Man for All Seasons
• Anne Bancroft – The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone, 84 Charing Cross Road, The Graduate, The Miracle Worker
• John Gielgud – Hamlet, Shine, Arthur, Oh What a Lovely War, Julius Caesar
• Wendy Hiller – The Comedy of Errors, Voyage of the Damned, A Man for All Seasons, Pygmalion
• Michael Elphick – Richard III, Withnail and I, Oh Lucky Man
• Hannah Gordon – Unforgotten, Hustle, Upstairs Downstairs, Middlemarch
• Why? I remember it as good.
• Seen: Once long ago. Now 3 January 2023      

       Frederic Treves (Hopkins), a surgeon in 19^th century England takes it upon himself to care for the hideously deformed and ill John Merrick (Hurt), also known as the Elephant Man, an abused freak in a circus. It is soon discovered that underneath the terrifying appearance is a sensitive and intelligent young man. In brief, he becomes the star of London society.

       By pure coincidence I am currently re-watching Twin Peaks. I had completely forgotten, if I had ever noticed, that this film is also directed by David Lynch. I do see similarities. They’re both eccentric, exploitative, quasi-philosophical and only partially connected with reality.

       The film has been highly praised for its deep humanity and emphasis on warmth and courage. And it has been criticised for its romanticised and sentimental shallowness. I kind of agree with both views. The Elephant Man could have been so much better but its wallowing in cruelty is distasteful. But it does have its merits. 

3* of 5