review by Colin the dude
The Elephant Man 1980
Rewatched Apr 12, 2012
Colin the dude’s review:
Simply one of the most authentic films based on true events.
Acting across the board is nothing short of terrific. John Hurt's John Merrick is one of the greatest performances put to celluloid.
Perhaps Lynch's most straightforward story (have yet to see The Straight Story), but also his most powerful and sympathetic character film.
R.I.P. Mr. Merrick.
Probably the most powerful film I have ever seen. Put me in a trance for a solid half an hour afterward. Nothing I have ever seen, film or otherwise, has had the same effect.
Lynch is the man.
The moment that hooks me is when Hopkins sees Merrick for the first time and just becomes overwhelmed and a tear falls down his cheek.
The whole ending, from the famous "I am not an animal!" scene to the finale with Barber's Adagio For Strings just ruins me.
Hurt should have definitely won Best Actor over Deniro that year.
One of my favourites ever ( letterboxd.com/dirkhasselman/film/the-elephant-man/)
I remember Lynch saying in an interview that that tear just happened on the first take. They never shot that scene again as Lynch thought it was simply magical. And I'd have to agree.