Review: The Elephant Man (1980) – a tragic and moving masterpiece

I've just finished watching The Elephant Man. My goodness! What a moving evocative film.

It is incredible how - despite John "Joseph" Merrick being the object of such despairing cruelty and nastiness among his coeval - he still managed to maintain some positivity, decency, affability and cheer in his life. Although the film exhibits the worst of human nature, it is also full of the compassion and the generosity of the human spirit.

This movie is genius, in certain respects. An incredible cast of England's finest knights: Sir Anthony Hopkins, the late Sir Johns Hurt (I met him once!) and the imperishable Sir John Gielgud. Including, an amazing turn by Freddie Jones. Also, a very touching performance by Kenny Baker (guy inside R2-D2). The cinematography is brilliant and the makeup effects are pretty impressive. I found the first 10 minutes of the film quite experimental in story telling - flashes of stressful childbirth and an elephant. The adagio for strings is very powerful. No CGI here which gives the film that wonderful sense of authenticity - much needed today. The film's setting and backdrops are full of amazing details creating an immersive feel. The black-and-white film really transports us to a different epoch. In short, a remarkable combination of pure talent creates a tragic, dark and unforgettable film.

I liked how Anthony Hopkins' character - Dr Frederick Treves - wipes away the begrime and allows Merrick's wonderful personality and intelligence to shine. Merrick ultimately finds some solace against his tormentors & defamers. The heart-wrenching scenes of the morons breaking into his room and pushing him around and pouring alcohol on him: it's manifest who the true monsters are. Nevertheless, Merrick's amor-proper and pride - gradually scaffolded up by his doctor friend - surpasses the inherent anxiety and fears of the general public. He learns a bit how to annunciation and speak; and he becomes fascinated by civilized society and theatre. Because of his deformity, he can't even sleep like normal people. I really love how John dresses himself - takes such special pride in his clothes & appearance to match his kind gentle manner. 

John Hurt was incredible as John Merrick. The painful nuances in the physical movements, and I could feel the discomfort in Merrick's speaking and breathing. The acting really transports you. You kind of forget that it isn't the real Merrick. 

Then, there is the deeply touching Romeo and Juliet scene. Anne Bancroft here is incredible. Her character, Mrs Kendal, decides to visit Merrick. As a leading actress, she decides to read some Shakespeare; and soon they are both reading the beautiful passages. For the briefest of moments - through the magic of theatre - Merrick becomes Romeo - our hero - and we can see that. We get to see his great courage and strength in the face of such adversity, and his benevolent and kind nature, and his beautiful soul. It is a very powerful scene that made me tear up. (Then, there are the scenes of him speaking about his mother with such warmth and love. They killed me too.)

It's an inspiring story.

✲✲✲

Note: doing some research online, it seems Merrick used to quote poetry in his correspondences.

"Tis true my form is something odd, But blaming me is blaming God; 

Could I create myself anew I would not fail in pleasing you.
If I could reach from pole to pole Or grasp the ocean with a span, 

I would be measured by the soul; The mind's the standard of the man."

— poem used by Joseph Merrick to end his letters, adapted from "False Greatness" by Isaac Watts.