IMDb > The Elephant Man (1980)
The Elephant Man
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The Elephant Man (1980) More at IMDbPro »

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The Elephant Man (1980) -- Based on a true story, the film examines the complex emotional experiences faced by John Merrick, "The Elephant Man" (John Hurt), when he is discovered by a dedicated surgeon (Anthony Hopkins).
The Elephant Man (1980) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)
The Elephant Man (1980) -- MyMovieScripts.com - Trailer (Flash)
The Elephant Man (1980) -- Movieplayer.it - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
David Lynch
Writers:
Christopher De Vore (screenplay) &
Eric Bergren (screenplay) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for The Elephant Man on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
10 October 1980 (USA) more
Tagline:
I am not an animal! I am a human being! I...am...a man!
Plot:
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous facade, there is revealed a person of intelligence and sensitivity. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 8 Oscars. Another 8 wins & 13 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(20 articles)
John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The Rt Interview
 (From Rotten Tomatoes. 4 November 2009, 12:35 AM, PST)

John Hurt to be a BFI Fellow
 (From HeyUGuys. 7 October 2009, 12:56 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
Nothing Will Die. more (264 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Runtime:
124 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby
Company:
Brooksfilms more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Trevor Howard was asked to play the Freddie Jones part. more
Goofs:
Continuity: In nearly every scene, John Hurt's make-up changes in some way. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Skeleton Man: Get rid of them! I don't want to see them!
Fat Lady: Darling, don't be difficult! Let's take our sweet lovely children on an outing.
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in "Cinéma, de notre temps: David Lynch: Don't Look at Me" (1989) more
Soundtrack:
Adagio For Strings more

FAQ

A NOTE REGARDING SPOILERS
Did everything happen to Merrick just like in the film?
Is this film based on any particular account of the life of Joseph Merrick?
more
182 out of 202 people found the following comment useful.
Nothing Will Die., 30 July 2003
10/10
Author: dnights from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA



This movie changed my life forever. To see someone so beautiful, dignified, and unique, hidden behind a body and face that society considers ugly, made me realize how the body is a decaying pile of dust, but the soul is a breath-taking and uniquely formed indestructible diamond.

I believe that everyone should get a chance to see this film, for those of an open mind, and a caring soul, there is nothing else like it.

It also shows the detestable ways some people treat others. I felt at first pity for John Merrick, but then my feelings changed to admiration, as the film went on. John, in the film starts as a severely deformed mute figure being badly mistreated, as the story progresses, he becomes the hero. A bold and courageous man, standing against the evils of modern society.

Joseph (John) Merrick, was a man so one-of-a-kind, that someone else like him physically or emotionally will never appear again. His life should be taken as an example to everyone.

As in the film, John's mother says "Nothing will Die", Joseph Merrick will live on in the hearts and souls of everyone who has witnessed the story of his life.

My love goes to Joseph Merrick, where ever he may be.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (264 total)

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