The Elephant Man film review

Review

Cast & crew

The Elephant Man

(1980)

This stylish, poignant drama is probably the closest director David Lynch has got to the mainstream outside of the disastrous Dune. It's based on the true story of the horrifically disfigured John Merrick (a superb, unrecognisable John Hurt), who battled the prejudices of Victorian society. Full marks, too, for Freddie Francis's striking black-and-white cinematography, the incredible re-creation of the period's industrial grimness and the excellent playing from a top-drawer cast (Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud). Surprisingly, given its weighty tone, it was made by comic Mel Brooks's production company. JF

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Running time

118min

Country of origin

Genre

Biographical Drama

Original language

English

Screenplay

Christopher de Vore, Eric Bergren, David Lynch, from the non-fiction books The Elephant Man: A Study In Human Dignity by Ashley Montagu and The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences by Sir Frederick Treves

Theatrical distributor

Columbia-Emi-Warner Dists Ltd

UK cinema certificate




awards information


	Award	Category	Name	Nominee/Winner

	Academy 1980	Actor in a Leading Role	John Hurt	Nominee
	Academy 1980	Best Picture		Nominee
	Academy 1980	Directing	David Lynch	Nominee
	Academy 1980	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)	Christopher de Vore	Nominee
	Academy 1980	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)	David Lynch	Nominee
	Academy 1980	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)	Eric Bergren	Nominee
	BAFTA 1980	Best Actor	John Hurt	Winner
	BAFTA 1980	Best Director	David Lynch	Nominee
	BAFTA 1980	Best Film		Winner
	BAFTA 1980	Best Screenplay	Christopher de Vore	Nominee
	BAFTA 1980	Best Screenplay	Eric Bergren	Nominee
	BAFTA 1980	Best Screenplay	David Lynch	Nominee