The Elephant Man

Audience Reviews

View More

Vixo S @vixo_six 19 hrs ago The Elephant Man is a deeply compassionate film about the damage caused by being treated as different. John Hurt gives Merrick a heartbreaking vulnerability, especially in the way he moves through the world expecting cruelty before kindness has had the chance to prove itself. The relationship with Dr. Treves is moving because the film does not treat compassion as simple or entirely selfless; it recognizes the difference between curiosity and genuine understanding. Lynch's stark black-and-white photography, haunting music, and industrial soundscape create an environment as hostile as the people around Merrick. Some moments feel slower than necessary, but the film's emotional sincerity is difficult to resist. Its most painful insight is that, after a lifetime of cruelty, even being seen with kindness can feel frightening. See more

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. See more

Robert P @Superbad Sep 3, 2026 This was an excellent movie about the care of a crippled man! See more

Jack F @MovieFan111 Feb 17, 2026 I thought it was a very powerful and touching movie. I'm glad I watched it. Great performances. See more

David M. @DavidMcKimmie Jan 19, 2026 A powerful exploration of the extremes of humanity. The performance, the cinematography and the direction are exemplary. See more

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. See more

Read all reviews

The Elephant Man

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING