Directed:
David Lynch
Produced:
Jonathan Sanger
Stuart Cornfeld
Mel Brooks
Screenplay:
Christopher De Vore
Eric Bergren
David Lynch
Story:
Sir Frederick Treves
Ashley Montagu
Starring:
Anthony Hopkins
John Hurt
Anne Bancroft
John Gielgud
Wendy Hiller
Music:
John Morris
Distributed:
Paramount Pictures (USA)
EMI Films (International)
Release date(s):
October 3, 1980 (1980-10-03)
Running time:
124 minutes
Country:
United States
Language:
English
Budget:
US$5 million [citation needed]
Gross revenue:
$26,010,864 (USA)
Based on a true story, The Elephant Man is a story about a man with severe physical deformities whose acceptance into society is assisted by a surgeon.
John Merrick (John Hurt) is a twenty-one year old Englishman who is discovered working in a side show freak display by surgeon Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins). After receiving a beating from the man who displays him, John is taken to the hospital and his injuries are treated. During his treatment, it becomes apparent that John is highly intelligent and does not suffer from any of the mental problems previously assumed. As his treatment progresses, John is introduced to the public via a number of articles in the London Times. As his fame grows, he is eventually accepted by London society.
This film was directed by David Lynch in 1980 and is shot in black and white. The lack of colour suits the film and helps set the film in its 19th century period. As this is a traditional screenplay, most viewers would not guess that the film was directed by Lynch - it does not exhibit the unusual story-telling style he is normally associated with. When released, the film received wide critical acclaim and was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
