The Elephant Man [Blu-ray]

One of the first films (in addition to Star Wars, Grease and Cabaret) I viscerally remember as a child. The heart and soul that John Hurt breathes into his portrayal of John Merrick blends all the better with Lynch's noir cinematography and Hopkins stoic, good doctor. A beautiful, horror of one man's life - who perhaps is more perfectly human than any one of those oppressors who so mercilessly try and keep him down. And yet, he rises above achieving as normal a life as he could hope for, realizing dreams and touching lives until he relinquishes himself to the belief that to die happy is better than to wait for a sadder tomorrow. This captivating black and white film inspired me at a young age to overcome any personal obstacles I felt could ever be responsible for holding me back from the life I wanted to lead, for no obstacle could be as trying as having the physical deformities of The Elephant Man. A simply grand statement of a more respectful and optimistic future for mankind.

As a young girl, I remember seeing this film when my parents were watching it in the living room one evening. I remember being a little frightened of John, but more when he was wearing his hood and cap than any other time. I cannot really remember how else I reacted to the film, but when I ran across it many years later, I watched it and cried for John Merrick. I think, even without my knowing it, the fact that I saw this film early on in my life actually influenced me to become a very compassionate and kind person. To this day, I think about Joseph ("John") Merrick and the fact that the world is a better place for him having been in it for his all too brief life. I believe extraordinary individuals like Mr. Merrick are placed among us to show us how we should treat one another.All of this I got because of this beautiful film. I love movies, but I am no film critic. All I know is that Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt captured my heart. If it were the goal of the filmmakers to awaken in us compassion, empathy, and kindness, they succeeded wonderfully.

Can one person change the world? In his relatively short lifetime, Mr. Merrick was unfortunate enough to experience the absolute worst of humanity, but he was fortunate enough to finally receive what he truly deserved; a home where he finally found kindness and respect. It amazes me that he remained so gentle and kind in spite of the cruelty he suffered, even at the hands of his own family. One person, one fellow human, was so disturbed by the cruelty Mr. Merrick had endured he chose to put an end to it. Granted, when Mr. Treves first saw him he wanted to study him and use him as a medical exhibit, but even then he made sure Merrick was comfortable. When he discovered Merrick was intelligent and literate he began to see him as a man rather than a specimen. They developed a friendship and others followed suit. Merrick finally learned what it is to have real friends who cared about his welfare and health. An excellent tale of the best and worst humanity has to offer.

In my youth, I remember going to a "Freak Show" in Coney island, in the 1950's in New York, and one of the attractions was a four-legged man. Believe me, I was not amused at all, most of it If recall correctly, because the person in the stage appeared to be uncomfortable and was there just to earn a living based on his physical deformity. I never went to another such show again, and am glad that they have dissappared from show business. This move is based on a similarly deformed man and it made me relive the incident all over again. John Hurt plays the "freak" without once showing his face. His profile is covered in award-winning standout makeup, so that his performance comes solely from uttering his lines with utmost sentiment, so much so that it earned him an Academy Award nomination. Anthony Hopkins plays his role of doctor-father-figure in a rather stiff manner, but Wendy Hiller and John Gielgud are, as usual, in formidable form in supporting roles. A special feature included in the DVD, titled "The Elephant Man revealed" is quite outstanding in describing how the project was developed.

Where do I begin?This wondrous, shattering, electrifying, deeply humane film moved me so profoundly upon first seeing it a preview studio screening that when I approached John Hurt afterward to tell him how deeply his performance had touched me I found that I could only get out a few heartfelt words before my throat closed up completely and tears spilled down my cheeks. Oh Lord -- what is the man going to think?! Well, I was stunned when Hurt put his arms around me, hugged me close, and whispered in my ear "Thank you. That is the greatest compliment I have ever received. But those tears aren't for me - they're for John Merrick."Needless to say, I found myself going home in an emotionally drained yet exhilarated daze, and could not sleep because of the haunting primal power of Lynch's extraordinary artistry, the unforgettable, heartbreaking score by John Morris (a family friend), the exquisite black and white cinematography by Freddie Francis, the astonishing make-up by Christopher Tucker, and the magnificent performances by the entire ensemble of brilliant actors.Equal parts fable, fairy-tale, and dark, brooding, industrial-revolution nightmare, 'The Elephant Man' is that true rarity - a film filled with compassionate sentiment which somehow manages to be neither maudlin nor cloying: a miracle given the myriad potential traps inherent in the subject matter.Both hellish and heavenly, 'The Elephant Man', along with 'Eraserhead', 'Blue Velvet', 'The Straight Story' and 'Mulholland Drive', is one of Lynch's finest artistic achievements and destined to be a timeless classic. Miss it at your peril.

I have watched this film since the 80's and it only gets better with each view.The subtle use of music, the acting, the way Lynch chose to tell the story.The black & white is stunning.There are scenes in this film that can make you cry if you remembered them even whileat an amusement park.It is profoundly beautiful on every level.

The Elephant Man is a fantastic, underrated and very powerful film. I've always been fascinated with the true story of John Merrick, otherwise known as the Elephant Man. I can remember watching this at a young age and it always resonated with me, about the story of a deformed man who was ridiculed, mocked and beaten because he was seen as a creature and an outcast from everybody else, not realising that an individual's personality is not based on their appearance, but within themselves. This film portrays not only the worst of humanity, but also the best of humanity as a contrast is made when we see him being taken care of, loved and accepted by Mr. Treves amongst others in the hospital. Not only do I recommend this film highly because it's a fantastic film (with its direction, the performances from Anthony Hopkins and especially John Hurt as John Merrick, as well the emotional power of many scenes), but also because it's an important one, about reminding us never to judge what a person is like based on their appearance. It's a film that moves me every time I watch it, especially the scene at the end played against Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, which is just perfect. It's not for the faint of heart, as it is unpleasant to see him mistreated by others and his owner, but if you allow the film to move you and to make you think, it is a brilliant film, so much so that it's actually in my top 5 favourite films of all time.

Weird and wonderful horror. The film delves deeply into the weird and wonderful world of the Victorian Freakshow. There are freaks galore made more interesting with the black and white cinematography and a spine chilling score by John Morris. The film does however come to a sudden conclusion but the melancholical closing music remains memorable. The plot follows the true story of John Merrick and his rise from circus freak to a member of high society London in the 1800s.

It's easy to forget what a one-off work of genius this movie is. Think about it - a young David Lynch fresh off Eraserhead and bubbling with talent and creativity. A cast of the UKs finest actors - pre ham Anthony Hopkins, Johns Hurt and Geilgud, a wonderful turn by Freddie Jones. All shot by arguably the best cinematographer ever from these shores, Freddie Francis. Did I mention Chris Tuckers makeup effects? It's a never to be repeated mix of talents and the resultant film is luminous, dark, tragic and unforgettable.This blu ray is a revelation - the glistening, steamy Victorian world is even more vivid. This is a must have for all movie lovers, and the packaging is great too.

Superb film brilliantly acted - but it is very hard to watch at times, seriously heart-rending. You despair of human nature, and ache for the pain this man suffered.

he has directed several straight forward films and he is at his most brilliant when he ceases being intentionally off kilter. Check out Straight Story as well.