beautiful and sad i cried my eyes out
such an interesting film, has everything a movie buff loves! it is a classic and i highly recommend those who don't mind watching older films to check this one out.
I loved the film, but unfortunately it got stuck about 3 times so I missed out on watching some of the DVD.
Great movie, John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins work well together. Based on the true story of a man who was born with a genetic disorder primarily known as neurofibromatosis. He was forced into a freak show in the circus, when he was discovered by a doctor who wanted to help and research his case. Inspiring and courageous young man who was accepted into the rich man's society.
Great movie. Worthwhile. Many movies are mere entertainment, this is one to help the soul grow.
Excellent true sad story. sad how this man was brought up and treated through his life. Worth watching
This is a classic and I watched it many times and still want to watch it again. One of the best Lynch you can get and so different of his own filmmaking style. An exquisite piece of art and a movie that you will never forget.
Moving story. Reflections of human greed and exploitation as well as kindness and frustration. Watched many years ago and enjoyed it again.
David Lynch here seems to make sentimentality legitimate. I think if The Elephant Man was by a different kind of director it would have been attacked as being incredibly manipulative, which it is. But we are told this tragic story with such flair and visual acuity that it just doesn't seem to matter. Along with flawless acting across the whole cast, this film is quite excellent.
One of my favourite movies. The simple humanity of the main character and the importance of basic kindness and compassion. I would especially recommend this movie for women, who tend to judge others only by what's on the outside... people are more than just their external shell.
This movie, is about humanity
It is a beautiful movie and the scenes have been well shot in black and white.
Anthony Hopkins is absoloutely amazing.
This is a must see for all who understand true beauty.
i remembered this old movie when i was a kid and to watch it again after all these years it still is one off the best movies. So sad but so real to how people respond to someone different to themselfs. To think he was 21----sad.
David Lynch's finest cinematic achievement. The movie has a lot in common with 'Eraserhead'. Both movies have beautiful black and white photography, amazing sound effects and a bleak, industrialised setting. Most tellingly, both feature a disfigured character who inspires fear but is really the victim of so called normal people. John Hurt is incredible as John Merrick, conveying the man behind the hideous exterior. Anthony Hopkins is also brilliant as the kind, civilised surgeon who offers John a decent life.
I had to write a review to counter the terrible one I just read... sentimental yawn??? This movie is beautiful and I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who has an ounce of sympathy in their hearts. It looks beneath the surface at the beauty of a human heart which can overcome terrible heartlessness from others and remain pure.
Almost a 5 star, but I thought it was a bit slow, something just wasn't there to make it a classic, although it really did touch us, and the story line is amazing, how a man so tortured and disfigured can be still so polite and ethical.
Sentimental yawn with some good photography but not enaugh to save it.