The Elephant Man

Name: The Elephant Man
Director: David Lynch
Genre: Drama, History
Released: 1980
Duration: 2 h 4 min
Rating: 8.048

A true story of courage and human dignity.

1980·Directed by David Lynch·4.1·2h 4m

Letterboxd Trailer Where to Watch

Drama History United States of America United Kingdom

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his “owner” as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

Recommended by 8 People

“The first and only time I ever saw my father cry. Movie about what it means to be a human being. It's heartbreaking and beautiful and tied to a very personal memory for me.”

Ben Affleck

Actor, Director, Writer

“The elephant man is beautiful beautiful film and I know that David felt a great affinity with that character and John Hurt did an extraordinary job.”

Kyle MacLachlan

Actor

“John Hurt in this movie — WTF! Like, how the hell do you do that with all of that on his face? I mean, that's literally like somebody's soul.”

Michael Shannon

Actor

“While it lacks the surreal elements of Lynch's later works, its exploration of the evils found in so-called polite society puts it firmly in Eggers' wheelhouse.”