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The Elephant Man

Play trailer Poster for The Elephant Man PG Released Oct 3, 1980 2h 5m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 65 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Dr. Frederic Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers Joseph (John) Merrick (John Hurt) in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the "Elephant Man." Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul, and that Merrick can teach the stodgy British upper class of the time a lesson about dignity. Merrick becomes the toast of London and charms a caring actress (Anne Bancroft) before his death at 27.
The Elephant Man

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Critics Consensus

David Lynch's relatively straight second feature finds an admirable synthesis of compassion and restraint in treating its subject, and features outstanding performances by John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins.

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Critics Reviews

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Pauline Kael The New Yorker The Elephant Man is a very pleasurable surprise. Though I had seen Eraserhead, which is the only other feature directed by David Lynch, and had thought him a true original, I wasn’t prepared for the strength he would bring out of understatement. Sep 18, 2023 Full Review Wendy Ide The Times (UK) This brooding take on a real-life tale is a work of potency... Sep 15, 2022 Full Review Jay Scott Globe and Mail There is a great deal wrong with a movie that adds insult to injury by unconsciously holding back the revelation of make-up. Aug 16, 2022 Full Review Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex Lynch may have only made one or two other features that you might think have mainstream appeal, but even through his “normal” tale, Lynch digs into the depths of depravity. Rated: 10/10 May 12, 2025 Full Review Noah Berlatsky Everything is Horrible (Substack) The lethargic plot wanders between voyeuristic disgust and smug satisfaction at the film’s broad-mindedness. Lynch never made another film as tedious and tone-deaf. Jan 23, 2025 Full Review Harry Solomons Loud and Clear Reviews Tender, wonderfully acted, and profoundly moving, The Elephant Man is a unique ray of sentimentality in David Lynch’s oeuvre. Rated: 4/5 Jan 8, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Hao Ian L It's a tragic and difficult yet important watch for what seems to be a relatively straightforward film in Lynch's catalogue; nevertheless, underneath <i>The Elephant Man</i> is a deeply humane work that proves Lynch's versatility in delivering a moving portrait of human dignity triumphing over physical adversity and societal cruelty. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/25 Full Review Romas M Greetings from Lithuania. "The Elephant Man" (1980) is a story about Joseph "John" Merrick and is partially based on true events. He was a man living in 19th century London, that was born with extremely disfigured body. By accident he was discovered by a local doctor, who took care of him and later become his friend. This is an excellent film that features a great performances by Anthony Hopkins and John Hurth as John Merrick, aka. The Elephant Man. This film is shot in black and white, which immerses a viewer more into time and place that this story happen. The make-up effects here are outstanding - no wonder that this movie was the reason why the Best Make-up Award was born at the Oscars. Overall, "The Elephant Man" is one of the best movies that the great late David Lynch has made in his great carrier. Its a bit to melodramatic and sometimes over sentimental, but that isn't the problem. Its a great film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/13/25 Full Review Malik abdullah M Uffff! The acting in this reminds me of why i love cinema "My life is full because i know that i am loved Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/03/25 Full Review Garrett B The Elephant Man is a heartbreaking but beautifully written, well-acted feature of a man’s tragic life. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/03/25 Full Review thiago s Filme bacana, o roteiro é bacaninha, as cenas bacanas do o homem elefante, o elenco é bacaninha, mas só o o homem elefante que ajuda a melhorar o filme, e a história é mais ou menos, e o filme coloca um drama em cima do o homem elefante que é bom e melhora o filme. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/24/25 Full Review Audience Member Simplesmente ”ABSOLUTE CINEMA" Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Elephant Man

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Cast & Crew

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David Lynch

Director

John Hurt

John Merrick, 'The Elephant Man'

Anthony Hopkins

Dr. Frederick 'Freddie' Treves

Anne Bancroft

Mrs. Kendal

John Gielgud

Carr Gomm

Wendy Hiller

Mothershead

Movie Clips

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The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - Why Did I Do It? The Elephant Man: Official Clip - Why Did I Do It? 1:04 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - Loving Kindness The Elephant Man: Official Clip - Loving Kindness 1:14 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - This is My Home The Elephant Man: Official Clip - This is My Home 1:51 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Terrible Elephant Man The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Terrible Elephant Man 1:55 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I've Tried So Hard to be Good The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I've Tried So Hard to be Good 2:13 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Greatest Freak in the World The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Greatest Freak in the World 1:42 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I Want Him Back The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I Want Him Back 1:51 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Lord is My Shepherd The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Lord is My Shepherd 2:13 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - People Are Frightened By What They Don't Understand The Elephant Man: Official Clip - People Are Frightened By What They Don't Understand 1:25 The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I Am a Human Being! The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I Am a Human Being! 2:01 View more videos

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The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) The Elephant Man (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Dr. Frederic Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers Joseph (John) Merrick (John Hurt) in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the "Elephant Man." Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul, and that Merrick can teach the stodgy British upper class of the time a lesson about dignity. Merrick becomes the toast of London and charms a caring actress (Anne Bancroft) before his death at 27.
Director
David Lynch
Producer
Jonathan Sanger
Screenwriter
Sir Frederick Treves, Ashley Montagu, Christopher De Vore, Eric Bergren, David Lynch
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount
Rating
PG
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 3, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 15, 2011
Runtime
2h 5m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)