8/3/2019 The Elephant Man (1980) Review

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The Elephant Man  (1980) 

d. David Lynch 

The Elephant Man, directed by David Lynch, is based on the real life story of Joseph

„Elephant Man ’  Merrick. Set in the late 1800s

and shot in black & white the Victorian feel is

very rich through-out the film. Lynch brings the

viewer into the world of Merrick and they

watch as he experiences some kind of

acceptance into human society.

The film opens at a carnival were Dr.

Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins)

investigates a disturbance in the „Freak Show‟ 

tent. The commotion is under the sign ‘ The 

Elephant Man ’ , a curiosity that Trevesbecomes determined to see for himself.

Although later he helps Merrick giving him a

home and the care he needs, Treves can be

seen as no different from the others who ogle

him, albeit his interest was from a scientific interest. It can be said that Lynch does this to

embed the question into the audience‟s mind „is Merrick ever not in a freak show?‟ Whether

in the tent, the backroom of a shop, the hospital or the theatre, Merrick is always separated

from humanity because of his deformity. Hal Erickson writes in his review „Alas, even after 

being recognized as a man of advanced intellect, Merrick is still treated like a freak; no 

matter his station in life, he will forever be a prisoner of his own malformed 

body ’  (Erickson, NDG). In the hospital

Merrick comes out of his shell and

begins to speak with all the refinement

and manners of a gentleman as well

has showing artistic talent. When

members of high society begin to meet

him it seems just like the curiosity tent

again but disguised as something

nicer. Matron Mothershead (WendyHiller) speaks to Treves about it “sir, you 

saw the expression on their faces. They didn't hide their disgust. They don't care anything 

about John! They only want to impress their friends !” (The Elephant Man , 1980). Because

Merrick himself seems only too pleased for their company makes the viewer ever angrier at

their exploitation of him. 

Vincent Canby describes it as ‘ a very benign horror film, one in which "the creature" 

is the pursued instead of the pursuer ’  (Canby, 1980). It has the essence of a horror film as

the tension of the unveiling of Merrick is built much like the unveiling of a monster, however,

by the time Merrick‟s features are revealed Lynch has lured the audience to have sympathy

for him and see him instead, as Canby suggests, as the victim. One scene in particular is

almost unbearable to watch. The Night Porter (Michael Elphick) sells tickets to see „the

Figure 1 - Film Poster 

Figure 2 - Merrick meets Mrs. Treves 

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Elephant Man‟ to patrons at a pub. By this point Merrick ‟s humanity is well established to the

audience so as they watch the porter and his drunken crowd torment Merrick and destroy his

room the audience themselves feel helpless and speechless much as Merrick does. Canby

also writes „Throughout the film one longs for an explosion. That it never comes is more

terrifying, I think, than John Merrick's acceptance of the values of others is inspiring‟ (Canby,

1980). As Canby‟s observed the audience is desperate for Merrick to fight back andoverpower his tormenters but he remains the epitome of human gentleness.

Lynch perfectly captivates the audience into Merrick tragic tale and his life forever

being plagued by his deformity. Brian Webster describes the film as „a memorable film about

human survival and a powerful commentary on human exploitation‟ (Webster, 2004). As the

film ends with Merrick‟s final attempt to be human by lying down to sleep it feels like an

inevitable result to the exploitation.

Figure 3 - Merrick sleeps. 

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List of Illustrations 

Figure 1. Film Poster . (1980) From: The Elephant Man . Directed by: David Lynch [film

poster] USA: Paramount Pictures.

Figure 2. Merrick meets Mrs. Treves . (1980) From: The Elephant Man . Directed by: DavidLynch [film still] USA: Paramount Pictures.

Figure 3. Merrick sleeps . (1980) From: The Elephant Man . Directed by: David Lynch [film

still] USA: Paramount Pictures.

Bibliography 

The Elephant Man , (1980) Directed by David Lynch [Film] USA: Paramount Pictures

Canby, V. (1980) the Elephant Man (1980)  – Review . In: New York Times [online]

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=EE05E7DF1731B32CA0484CC0B7799C8368

96 

Erickson, H. (No Date Given) the Elephant Man (1980)  – Review . In: Rotten Tomatoes.com

[online] http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1006527-elephant_man/  

Webster, B. (2004) the Elephant Man (1980)  – Review . In: Apollo Guide [online]

http://www.apolloguide.com/mov_fullrev.asp?CID=3741 

‘Tis true my form is something odd,

But blaming me is blaming God;

Could I create myself anew

I would not fail in pleasing you.

If I could reach from pole to pole

Or grasp the ocean with a span,

I would be measured by the soul;

The mind's the standard of the man.

- Adapted by Joseph Merrick from “False Greatness” by Isaac Watts