May 18, 2018
Welcome back to Film Buff Fridays! I’m back with another David Lynch film, and for anyone who doesn’t know, I am a huge fan of David Lynch. Earlier this week in Episode #135 (“Last Flag Flying”), I spoke about directors who have a particularly recognizable aesthetic, and Lynch certainly fits the bill. If you’re interested in my take on “Blue Velvet”, head to the archives and download Episode #028 (“Blue Velvet”).
Also, just last week we lost Anne V. Coates, one of the industry’s best editors from 1952 right until this year, responsible for the editing behind “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974), “Erin Brockovich” (2000), and today’s film, “The Elephant Man”, among her 55 editing credits. You’ve probably seen more of her work than you realize. Rest in peace, Anne.
And now...
Today’s movie is “The Elephant Man” (1980), the Oscar-nominated film directed by David Lynch and written for the screen in collaboration with Eric Bergren and Christopher De Vore. The film is based on the real life of John Merrick (John Hurt), a majorly disfigured man who is rescued from a life in the freak show by Sir Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), a notable doctor of the time. The film draws from both Treves’ own account, and Ashley Montagu’s book “The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity”.
Spoilers ahead.
People like to joke about being able to tell a lot about a person based on what movies they like. I find this can be overused the more you generalize, like all horror fans are disturbed, or all science-fiction fans are geeks. But I do think a related principle exists where you can tell a lot about a person based on how they react to certain films, and “The Elephant Man” (1980) is easily one of those films. Here’s a hint: if they react with the giggles or begin mocking John Merrick, you can pretty much assume they are a terrible person, somewhere deep down in their core. I feel the same way about people who still use the word “retarded” for any non-mechanical purpose, and doubly so for folks who start ranting about their right to use the word however they want.
The writing team masterfully crafts Merrick’s story, carrying the audience though the same reactions as the cast, initially shocked and horrified by his appearance, followed by shame at our own initial feelings as we get to know him, and ultimately, for those with any decency left in their hearts, a feeling of empathy for his struggles, and for the freak that might be hidden inside us all. And we couldn’t follow this journey without the incredible makeup, period-specific costumes, and excellent sets and locations.
Strangely enough, I found the more Lynchian moments and transitions to detract from the overall film, especially with the use of visual crossfades and intense scoring. The rest of the film plays so much like classic filmmaking, especially with incredible performances by Hopkins, Hurt, and Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Kendal, the woman who opens up Merrick’s life to the so-called “upper class”. I did appreciate the black & white film choice, however, and clearly my criticism here didn’t prevent the film from being nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and, of course, Best Film Editing for Anne V. Coates. And it also didn’t prevent me from emotionally engaging on a very deep level with the entire film.
“The Elephant Man” (1980) should be required viewing for everyone, a powerful lesson on the dignity of all human beings, regardless of not just appearance, but for any other characteristic we as a society use to cast out individuals, particularly those who have harmed no one, and, in Merrick’s words, just want to be seen as a human being. My only regret is that even 38 years after this film was produced, our own society still has elements who would ridicule others simply for their appearance or their ability. And much like the visitors in the film, we need real exposure to help dispel the myths about those folks cast out today. I believe this film can help with that, and if not, it can at least find the folks you should probably cut out of your life.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (CERTIFIED)
Metacritic: 77
One Movie Punch: 9.4/10
“The Elephant Man” (1980) is rated PG and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.