The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man is a 1980 British-American historical drama film about Joseph “John” Merrick, a severely deformed man in late 19th century London. The film was directed by David Lynch and stars John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon, and Freddie Jones. It was co-produced by Mel Brooks whom was intentionally left uncredited to avoid confusion from audiences who possibly would have expected a comedy. The film was shot in black-and-white and is based on the true account of John Merrick’s life as a side show freak in the nineteenth century.

The Elephant Man was a critical and commercial success with eight Academy Award nominations.  After receiving widespread criticism for failing to honour the film’s make-up effects, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was prompted to create the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling the following year.

Joseph “John” Merrick is an intelligent and friendly man, but he is hated by his Victorian-era English society because he is severely deformed. Once he is discovered by a doctor, however, he is saved from his life in a freak show. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of kindness, intelligence and sophistication.