The Elephant Man

1980, Biography/Drama, 2h 5m

54 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

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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. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

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.

Cast & Crew

John Hurt
John Merrick, 'The Elephant Man'
Anthony Hopkins
Dr. Frederick 'Freddie' Treves
Anne Bancroft
Mrs. Kendal
John Gielgud
Carr Gomm
Wendy Hiller
Mothershead
Freddie Jones
Bytes
Michael Elphick
Night Porter
Hannah Gordon
Mrs. Anne Treves
Helen Ryan
Princess Alex
John Standing
Dr. Fox
Dexter Fletcher
Bytes's Boy
Lesley Dunlop
Nora
Phoebe Nicholls
Merrick's Mother
David Lynch
Director
Sir Frederick Treves
Writer
Ashley Montagu
Writer
Christopher De Vore
Writer
Eric Bergren
Writer
David Lynch
Writer
Stuart Cornfeld
Executive Producer
Mel Brooks
Executive Producer
Jonathan Sanger
Producer
John Morris
Original Music
Fred Francis
Cinematographer
Anne V. Coates
Film Editor
Maggie Cartier
Casting
Stuart Craig
Production Design
Robert Cartwright
Art Direction
Hugh Scaife
Set Decoration
Patricia Norris
Costume Designer
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Critic Reviews for The Elephant Man

All Critics (54) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (50) | Rotten (4)

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