The Elephant Man

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The Elephant Man

PG

Released Oct 3, 1980

2h 5m

Biography

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

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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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

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

This brooding take on a real-life tale is a work of potency...

Sep 15, 2022

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

Simplesmente ”ABSOLUTE CINEMA"

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

Full Review

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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

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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)