The Elephant Man | Rotten Tomatoes

The Elephant Man

PG

Released Oct 3, 1980

2 hr. 5 min.

Biography

Drama

List

92%

63 Reviews

Tomatometer

93%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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.

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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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Petros T

"The Elephant Man" is an engaging and by Lynch's standards surprisingly accessible, straightforward watch throughout, boasting very good cinematography, great - and faithful - prosthetics, really good acting (especially by Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt), and some competent, interesting character work that might not necessarily be super subversive yet has a couple of things to say. It could perhaps be argued that it flirts a little with emotional manipulation, but thankfully it doesn't overdo it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/24/24

Full Review

Mike P

A knockout movie. This movie had me bawling uncontrollably when I first saw it as an 11 year old...And ever since then, when ever I see it, it still gives me a lump in my throat. So moving and heartbreaking; with such BRILLIANT performances; especially by John Hurt; but also Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins...Plus David Lynch's evocative direction...Such a simple, moving, compassionate film...A masterpiece... Overall: 👍recommended

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

Full Review

Alec C

Witness the tragic tale of the Elephant Man, who wanted to be treated like a human being! A psychologist befriends the severely deformed John Merrick, who is hiding a sophisticated mind, as he tries to be accepted by society despite being seen as a freak and an animal. Deeply tragic, but thoroughly examines the different complexities of humanity and our place inside of it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

Full Review

john w

It's beautifully acted by a hugely talented cast, it's a must see, it's also completely and utterly Heartbreaking.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/29/23

Full Review

Alec B

Lynch's involvement is probably what ensured that the film did not come off as mawkish (which would have been a danger with the screenplay), instead it's just plain heartbreaking. All in all it's a worthwhile and effective demand for simple human decency.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

Full Review

HIP-HOP ITALIA

Il capolavoro di Lynch mostra la natura umana nei suoi lati di carità e mostruosità, con scene commoventi ed altre incredibilmente inquietanti

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/23

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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The Elephant Man: Official Clip - Why Did I Do It?

1:04

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - Loving Kindness

1:14

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - This is My Home

1:51

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Terrible Elephant Man

1:55

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I've Tried So Hard to be Good

2:13

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Greatest Freak in the World

1:42

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I Want Him Back

1:51

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - The Lord is My Shepherd

2:13

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - People Are Frightened By What They Don't Understand

1:25

The Elephant Man: Official Clip - I Am a Human Being!

2:01

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Pauline Kael

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

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

This brooding take on a real-life tale is a work of potency...

Sep 15, 2022

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

Nothing is allowed to eclipse John Hurt’s superb performance.

Mar 13, 2023

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Stuart Cornfeld, Mel Brooks
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
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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