The Elephant Man (1980)

[jake_fink]

I just saw The Elephant Man for the first time in years. I'd forgotten what an extraordinary film it was and how moving. It's a complex, powerful drama, but also a classic monster movie. Beautiful work by Lynch, the screen writers, cinematographer Freddie Francis and the whole cast. If you've never seen it, please do; if you haven't seen it in a while, see it again.

 

[Elaina]

I never wanted to see it. I realize that Merrick used his disability to his advantage, and was, by all accounts, a stand up guy, I just perosnally can't watch the movie. Not that I'm putting anyone down who does or enjoyed it, bit for me it's along the lines of why I don't go to freak shows, I can't get over the entertainment value of someone else's misfortune.

 

[Feraud]

The film is definitely worth a watch.

 

[Jack Scorpion]

David Lynch is hosting a tribute to Freddie Francis this month. They are showing Elephant Man. I'll probably be there.

 

[MudInYerEye]

Best movie of 1980. I never tire of it.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

A great movie. One of the few modern movies that was meant to be made in black and white. A poignant story that will literally make one weep, it's that intense.

 

[Quigley Brown]

I never wanted to see it. I realize that Merrick used his disability to his advantage, and was, by all accounts, a stand up guy, I just perosnally can't watch the movie. Not that I'm putting anyone down who does or enjoyed it, bit for me it's along the lines of why I don't go to freak shows, I can't get over the entertainment value of someone else's misfortune.

Would you be able to watch it for it's film techniques?

 

[The Wolf]

Not only Lynch

It is one of Mel Brook's best. Seriously.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[PrettySquareGal]

I never wanted to see it. I realize that Merrick used his disability to his advantage, and was, by all accounts, a stand up guy, I just perosnally can't watch the movie. Not that I'm putting anyone down who does or enjoyed it, bit for me it's along the lines of why I don't go to freak shows, I can't get over the entertainment value of someone else's misfortune.

I respect your view, but if you watch it you'll find that the point of the film isn't to witness a freak show about Merrick, but rather an emphasis on the hypocrisy of some of the Victorians and "normal" people. If anything, society comes out looking like a freak show.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

I just saw The Elephant Man for the first time in years. I'd forgotten what an extraordinary film it was and how moving. It's a complex, powerful drama, but also a classic monster movie. Beautiful work by Lynch, the screen writers, cinematographer Freddie Francis and the whole cast. If you've never seen it, please do; if you haven't seen it in a while, see it again.

I agree that this is a masterpiece. I'm a big Lynch fan. I sobbed when I watched it years ago. Thanks for the reminder that it should be experienced more than once. There's a lot to extract from it.

 

[Elaina]

It's not that I can't, I just don't really want to. The man it was based on wanted so much to be "normal" I jut feel that a hundred and some odd years after his death the least I can do is respect that enough to not watch it.

I really don't need to watch a film on how society treats people. I can take my sister in law with CP out anytime and witness that.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

It's not that I can't, I just don't really want to. The man it was based on wanted so much to be "normal" I jut feel that a hundred and some odd years after his death the least I can do is respect that enough to not watch it.

I really don't need to watch a film on how society treats people. I can take my sister in law with CP out anytime and witness that.

I have no vested interest in trying to convince you to see it. I simply offered my opinion based on having seen the film.

Regarding film or any art form being a mere replica of reality, I disagree. When it's well done, I find it makes my life richer and I gain more insights. However, that's not me trying to say your feelings are wrong.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

It's not that I can't, I just don't really want to...

Oh, I misunderstood. You weren't replying to me.