The touching true story of John Merrick, a man born with a horrible disease that caused cartilage to harden into deforming tumors all over his body.
Directed by the incomparable David Lynch, this follows the story of John (Joseph) Merrick (John Hurt)who lived as a side show freak until he was found by Dr. Frederick Treves ( Anthony Hopkins). When Treves finds Merrick he finds that he is very kind and intelligent. That's when Treves decides to bring Merrick out of the shadows in an attempt to show the world that John is not a monster at all.
Joseph Merrick was born in August of 1862 in London England. His deformities began to show at a very young age and Joseph left home at 17. He spent about 4 years in a London workhouse before joining the circus where he gained the moniker of the Elephant Man.
After being robbed by his stage managers and left penniless, police found Merrick and took him to the London Hospital with Dr. Treves. Merrick lived out his days in the hospital until his death in April of 1890.
This film will move you, and if it doesn't you are a psychopath will no emotions. Merrick is played wonderfully by John Hurt. Possibly in the performance of his career. Anthony Hopkins, as Treves, is superb. Be prepared to be enlightened by Lynch showing us that we are not all that different from one another. Heavily suggested for all ages.
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