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

92%

Tomatometer

63 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

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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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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Michael Ventura

L.A. Weekly

It is a great film, if great means that, seeing it once, you see it forever. Great in the manner of Chaplin's City Lights, of Griffith's Way Down East, or Cukor's David Copperfield... like them, its beauties rise out darkness, struggle and shine.

Oct 7, 2023

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Joe Lipsett

Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network

Despite the grounded nature of the film, Lynch finds opportunities to infuse his trademark surreal visual imagery, as well as harrowing sequences in both a bedroom and a train station. Hurt is a marvel, though the depiction of disability has aged

Rated: 4/5

May 9, 2023

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Isa B

This is a very well made motion picture by the great David Lynch. Ultimately, the job of a filmmaker is to create a piece of art that makes the audience feel something. The Elephant Man does that very thing. I highly recommend this film. 95/100

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

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Teddy B

A strange but wonderful feat for Lynch, a film with pathos. His surreal touch is still thankfully present, though; stopping this film from becoming dull.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/02/25

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Jelisije J

An excellent biopic of a man born with horrible disfigurements that the world will never forget.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/10/24

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Sams K

David Lynch shows how great he is with this masterpiece. And incredible drama with great actors, with a deep message of inclusiveness, the fact that it tells a real story, make the movie even more interesting to watch. Very inspiring. Great performance by Hopkins and Hurt, who described perfectly the sense of friendship with their sublime acting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/29/24

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NiB Y

Probably the only movie that actually made me cry like a baby. There is not a single bad thing about this movie. It was the best film of 1980, even better than Raging Bull.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/07/24

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Georgan G

Wonderful movie based on a true bio drama re one man's physical differences & how others perceived him. There are kind & generous people and also mean-spirited & nasty people. Terrific acting. Didn't want it to end.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/24

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

Mothershead

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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)