The Elephant Man (The Criterion Collection)

I might be in the percent that actually liked this movie. It is the only one that is as close to the real story. While it is a very sad and horrible depiction of humanity, especially against those who disfigured it is also a great lesson on how it only takes one person to show compassion and kindness. Other's will follow. The acting is absolutely beautiful. All the main characters could not do a better job. And non main characters were just as awesome. I loved how the entire film was shot entirely in black and white. It really captured that time. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants a beautiful ending. Yes everyone knows the he does die at the end. However he also was shown love, compassion and kindness. Hence my title A bittersweet movie. The acting alone is so worth seeing this amazing movie. Will you shed some tear's? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Again, Absolutely.

David Lynch’s 1980 film “The Elephant Man” tells the story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film due to a mistake in Frederick Treves’ 1923 account). Merrick rose to fame during the Victorian era due to his deformities, which first reduced him to living and working in a freakshow & circus before meeting Treves, who arranged for Merrick to live in the London Hospital where he came to the attention of wealthy donors and minor royalty. Lynch’s film follows a screenplay by Christopher De Vore, Eric Bergren, and Lynch that is based on Treves’ 1923 account, “The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences,” and Ashley Montagu’s 1971 book, “The Elephant Man: A Study in Humanity.” The film stars Anthony Hopkins as Frederick Treves, John Hurt as John Merrick, Hannah Gordon as Ann Treves, Anne Bancroft as Madge Kendal, John Gielgud as Francis Carr Gomm, and Helen Ryan as Alexandra, Princess of Wales. Lynch is a master filmmaker who knows how to use the power of cinema to convey the inner lives of his characters in a way that few can match. He begins with the now-disproven theory of maternal impression, which Merrick’s mother blamed for his condition. Though a fallacy, it represents both her psychological state and sets up the concept of duality, with pseudoscience balanced against Treves’ more humanistic and compassionate methods. Similarly, the black-and-white photography captures the highs and lows of Victorian England, a culture of great progress that came at great expense, such as the machine accident that Treves treats early on. Merrick himself exposes this duality when he proclaims, “I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human begin! I am a man!” Like all Criterion Collection features, this includes extensive bonus features such as Lynch and Kristine McKenna reading from a book they co-authored, archival interviews, a 2001 documentary about the film, a 2005 documentary about Joseph Merrick, and a booklet with extensive production notes.

It must be said that The Elephant Man is a very fine film. Although the story is not a completely faithful account of the life of Joseph (not John) Merrick, it's still a riveting story about a human being stricken with horrible deformities. Even though he is hard to look at, it's hard to turn away from how good this man was in spite of his condition. It's also a study of those around him, particularly Dr Frederick Treaves. Performances are wonderful, particularly those of Sir Anthony Hopkins and the late, great John Hurt in the title role. Also look for a great supporting performance from Anne Bancroft, wife of In Cognito Executive Producer Mel Brooks. This is probably one of the better films by David Lynch. While he couldn't resist putting his surrealist touches at the beginning and end as bookends, the majority of the film is much more comprehendable than his other films. He brings out great performances and does a great job portraying the East End of London during the latter half of the 19th century. Criterion did another excellent job with the Blu-ray release. Although the film is in Black&white, the contrast is excellent and picture is incredibly sharp. No flecks or scratches anywhere. Sound is really good too. There are no Chapter breaks in the film, but that is at the insistence of the director, Lynch. Nice behind the scenes features as well. Highly recommend this Blu-ray release. Both for the film itself and the presentation.

This was such a good movie. I had never seen it prior to purchasing it, but after watching it, I really felt for John Merrick (I think his real name was actually Joseph?). I have always been self-conscious about what I look like, and I can, in no way, even begin to compare myself to Mr. Merrick and the hardships he faced during his journey through this world, but it makes me admire his story, bravery, and courage that much more. [Spoiler Alert?] The last scene, in particular, is very moving…emotional, yet peaceful. We can only hope he was finally at peace when he died. RIP Mr. Merrick.

John Hurt (The Elephant Man) once said in an interview that if this movie didn't move someone after seeing it, that he would not have wanted to meet that person. I completely agree. This was one of the most moving films I have ever experienced and I wept several times during the performance. A tragic, yet triumphant tale told by an a truly inspired group of film makers, actors and actresses. Anthony Hopkins, Sir John Guilgud, John Hurt, Wendy Hiller, and Anne Bancroft give their all in bringing this story to life. Directed by David Lynch and produced by none other then Mel Brooks, The Elephant Man will teach you the true meaning of courage and human dignity.

Epic movie from one of the greatest directors of all time. The DVD version is perfectly fine. I haven't seen the blu-ray.

Great movie.

Pretty good

Waited YEARS for a proper bluray release of The Elephant Man. Very happy.

The movie is a classic, the restoration is top notch but the digipack arrived a little damaged.

A 5 star edition because of the extras and the work that has gone in it’s restoration.

Not very clear that this wasn’t usable in UK region with was disappointing- sent back and was refunded.

Arrived in great shape. Excellent movie.