The Elephant Man

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The Elephant Man

PG

1980

2h 5m

Biography

Drama

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Popcornmeter

91%

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67 Reviews

93%

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50,000+ Ratings

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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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

Sep 18, 2023

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.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

Sep 15, 2022

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

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

Aug 16, 2022

There is a great deal wrong with a movie that adds insult to injury by unconsciously holding back the revelation of make-up.

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

Jul 21, 2026

John remains the central figure and one for whom Lynch presents profound love and respect for. A lesser director would lean into the defects while Lynch always shows us the man.

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Lexi Amoriello

Movie Recs by Lex

Jul 11, 2026

The world needs more people like David Lynch who can look at something others dismiss as flawed or gross or scary and see it as something special and worth celebrating.

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Alan French

Sunshine State Cineplex

May 12, 2025

10/10

Lynch may have only made one or two other features that you might think have mainstream appeal, but even through his “normal” tale, Lynch digs into the depths of depravity.

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Teddy B

@RT90521672 Sep 3, 2026

The problem with this film is David Lynch. For such a fantastic director, working successfully and with wild invention across a variety of genres, his quirks and mannerisms transform 'The Elephant Man' into something just a little bit ugly and unlikeable. Lynch's surrealism feels out of place in the grounded reality of the film (it's confusing and frankly stupid opening and ending being glaring examples), and his use of airy calliope music makes the whole air of this film just slightly condescending towards Merrick and his life story. The way Merrick is shot more resembles Frankenstein than a human man, and the film's ominous posters reflect this equally poorly. Lynch seems to impose the wonderful 'Eraserhead' upon this story, adding a clashing European flavour to that film's cold and unsettling nature. Lynch has done far better in his career, so I suppose 'Elephant Man' is just working out the kinks---I just wish it wasn't Merrick in the crossfire.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 3, 2026

This was an excellent movie about the care of a crippled man!

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Feb 17, 2026

I thought it was a very powerful and touching movie. I'm glad I watched it. Great performances.

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David M.

@DavidMcKimmie Jan 19, 2026

A powerful exploration of the extremes of humanity. The performance, the cinematography and the direction are exemplary.

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Ed B.

@EdLee Jan 18, 2026

The Elephant Man is a poignant film about a horribly disfigured young man named John Merrick aka the elephant man. Movie is directed by David Lynch , who put to screen a captivating tale of one of the most tragic yet sensitive individuals ever. Filmed in Black & White and captures what late 19th Century London must have been like. John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins play well off each other. Very moving and soul stirring movie.

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Suha A

@Suhaabuarqub Jan 3, 2026

By putting this very true story on screen, David Lynch held a mirror in front of us to show us our real soul and face us with our own hypocrisy. Hurt’s performance and Lynch’s thinking honored the life of Merrick for eternity.

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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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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
Producer: Jonathan Sanger
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
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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