The Elephant Man Reviews

Man or freak

No one watching this film cannot be moved by the sheer physical pain and social misery and manipulation John Merrick - aka the elephant man, endured during his short and troublesome life.

This film captures perfectly the sideshow circus theme, the era, the time, the poverty and the ignorance of the time, plus ignorance of this poor mans condition.

This film is the best version of the elephant man, and John Hurts portrayal is second to none, this is a weepy, and as you watch you begin to see John Merrick- in his very own words -as a human being. Poignant and touching.

Deeply touching

David Lynch is a director ideally suited to deal with this sensitive subject. A world famous "freak" trying to survive in a post-industrial age.

Black and White film is used here to stimulating effect, somehow conveying the emotional impact of this harsh time.

It's well worth a watch, though I wouldn't call it entertainment in the conventional sense.

An Unforgettable Experience

On one hand, the film invoked feelings of empathy through its portrayal of the needless suffering of John Merrick (known a The Elephant Man) who was incessantly subjected to mockery and humiliation at the hands of ignorant and merciless people, who could not see past his physical deformity. On the other hand, the film unravels John Merrick?s genial character through his reactions to various acts of kindness. Although John Hurt, who acted the part of John Merrick, was wearing a monstrous mask, which could easily have hidden the man underneath, he still managed to convincingly display the human emotions experienced by John Merrick; and in doing so, was able to bring to the surface the amiable, sensitive man hidden behind the grotesque exterior.

Initially, the viewer is kept in suspense as the Elephant Man is gradually revealed through the eyes of Dr Frederick Treves, a benevolent doctor played superbly by Anthony Hopkins, who is the first person in the film to challenge the social ostracism of the Elephant Man. As the film progresses, the viewer is thrown into the true horror of the Elephant Man?s life, a horror that keeps echoing throughout the film until it peaks in a horrendous crescendo. This horror is further accentuated by the black and white setting of the film and the underlying knowledge that the film is based on a true story.

This is a must-see film, which will take you on an emotional journey you will never forget.

The most moving film ever...

I have recently seen this for the first time, and it is genuinly one of the most compassionate and moving films I have ever watched. The performances are breath taking. You will come away from this with a new perception of us as human beings, whether that be for the better or worse. Simply astounding. Please, I urge you to watche this move.

Not so great.

David Lynch is a god. Blue Velvet and Lost Highway are pure heaven in my books and I watched The Elephant Man with the excitement and anticipation of a 10 year old the night before Christmas. But was left feeling a little disappointed.

While the film is moving and the acting brilliant the premise is slightly hollow and predictable. It’s not to say that the film isn’t entertaining or enjoyable, just lacking the intense and emotive qualities of Lynch’s later films.

breathtaking

i had seen this film years ago and enjoyed it very much, really wanted my children to have the moving experience i had, which they did.if watching this film does not move you to tears then i dont know what would, it really makes you feel compassion for people that may have disabilities and want to try to make a difference for people.i recomend this film if you like a good cry at movies

[Highly rated reviewer]

A real emotional weepy

When I first watched this over 25 years ago I never imagined how affected I would be by it.The misery that this poor man suffered at the hands of some so called humans is appalling.John Hurt does a terrific job of portraying the tragic John Merrick.The scene where he breaks down because someone is nice to him cannot fail to move even the most cold hearted of people.A real true story tearjerker.

Decent

I thought the cinematography on this film was pretty good... the editing I thought was rubbish.

We'd spend ages on a lovely long shot which really established a mood with nice lighting and very film noir - then just as the scene is being rounded up by a poignant comment from someone they'd fade to black in an instant... shocking timing with regards to editing.

But all in all, quite a nice, moving story (and true too of course).

Worth a watch, but not great.

If you're part of the better group, you'll cry.

This film depicts the life of the badly disfigured 'Elephant Man', who lived in the late nineteenth century. It illustrates two seperate groups of people: Those who care about other people and who have the capacity for empathy and those who don't. Sadly, these groups are still as relevant today, when we see reports of some of the atrocities going on around the world and you think, 'how can people do that to other human beings?'. There are parts of this film which made me think like that, which made me cry with anger and frustration. Then there are parts of this film where people show great care and affection, and they made me cry too. All in all this film made me cry quite a bit! It's just so affecting. The motives behind the hehaviour towards John Merrick are explored too (both the positive and the negative) plus we have the story and character of Merrick brilliantly performed by John Hurt. A great film that manages to be both depressing and uplifting at the same time. I reckon you can tell which group you're in by your reaction to this...

Elelphant in speed

Although a dreadful tale, the film was so slow! We thought that John Merick must have been an amazing man to live his life in the way he did, with the cards he had been dealt, just the film did plod.

Slow, very slow.