directed by: David Lynch, year: 1980
actors: John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud

The Elephant Man is a poignant and emotionally powerful film centered around the true story of Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man in 19th century London. Known derisively as the Elephant Man, Merrick is discovered by Dr. Frederick Treves and taken from a life of degradation in a freak show to be studied at a hospital. As Treves helps Merrick find dignity and humanity, the film explores themes of compassion, the nature of beauty, and the impact of society’s judgments.

Compassion, Identity, Humanity, Exploitation, Isolation