The Elephant Man (Widescreen)

 

 

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This is by far in of the greatest movies ever, and this bluray is amazing. comes in a book style case. The qualty of the video is improved over the dvd, and the audio is great its dts hd. theres also new special features. Order this must have title today.

I first saw this film back in 1981 at the theater when I was 12. It frightened and saddened me though I cannot say I was really traumatized by it. However, it must have made some sort of emotional impact before I have always been terrified of viewing this film in the 20-plus years that have past since then. The most disturbing aspect to me was the inhumane treatment John Merrick received. Just today I got up my courage and bought the DVD at the music store. I sat, white knuckles and all-expecting the worst. Well, I got through it. For one thing, it didn't seem as ominous this go-round. (Funny how your perceptions change as an adult). The fact that this was a period piece works to the film's benefit in that it hasn't dated at all. I am glad the producers and director agreed to use black-and-white film because it adds to the authenticity. What surprised me most was how much I had actually forgotten: the scene in the monkey cage, the fact that Anne Bancroft appeared, and more. What did always stick in my memory was what I refer to as the "raid" scene. (When the sleazy Night Porter brings his "customers" from the pub to Merrick's room, carrying John around, forcing the cheap tarts to kiss him, and then holding a mirror up to his face to purposely shock him.) Upon viewing The Elephant Man as an adult, my favorite scenes are now the most beautiful yet the saddest ones: when John meets Treeves' wife and says he never meant to be a disappointment to his mother, and the final scene as Merrick carefully takes the pillows off the bed and places them on the table. This film should be mandatory study for all North American high school students. Though even then, I am sure there would be more than a few jaded teens who would find some sort of comedy in it. Those kind are the real freaks.

David Lynch was, for the most part, an unknown when Hollywood, specifically Mel Brooks ( of all people !!! ), took him on to direct "The Elephant Man". He had only one feature film under his belt at the time, the incredibly dark, disturbing and hypnotically dreamlike "Eraserhead". Not exactly a precedent for taking on a film of such deeply moving and upsetting emotional tenor, but Brooks had complete faith in him. That faith was paid off in spades.

"The Elephant Man", since deleted by Paramount ( !!! ), is, in my opinion one of the best films of all time. The cast is incredible. John Hurt gives his greatest performance to date and he is completely unrecognizable as John ( Joseph ) Merrick. Anthony Hopkins' Frederic Treves is a study in reserve and restraint with tumultuous emotions and conflicts boiling under the surface. Freddie Jones as the slimy, despicable Mr. Bytes conjurs up both a hatred of his callous, opportunistic exploitation of another man's suffering and something akin to pity for the "losing his grip" desparation he portrays. Sir John Gielgud is Sir John Gielgud, all class, refinement and authority. And Dame Wendy Hiller transforms from a seemingly heartless, officious dragon lady into a woman of true compassion and strength. Finally a special mention of Anne Bancroft's turn as Dame Madge Kendall is absolutely necessary. For it's in the scene where she brings John Merrick the collected works of William Shakespeare and they randomly pick a scene from "Romeo and Juliet" to read from where we have the most heart-rending emotional moment in the entire film. I defy anyone not to be VERY deeply moved, even to tears, when she tells Mr. Merrick " ... you're Romeo".

The film is shot in black and white which is a stroke of genius. All that black, white and gray summons up the grit and inhuman texture of the early industrial revolution in dirty old London. It also functions as a metaphor for the gray areas of moral ambiguity that challenge both the characters in the film and the Victorian mores that alternately reach out to "do the Christian thing" and that see John Merrick merely as a "circus animal".

As "Hollywood" as the film was ( a big budget Paramount picture ) Lynch gets to fly here and the film is absolutely full to the brim with his stylistic signatures. The dream sequences hearken back to "Eraserhead", also in black and white. There are those industrial sounds too, so marvellously recorded and altered by Alan Splet, another "Eraserhead" alumnus. Also a strong visual signifier from the "Eraserhead" palette are the infamous "holes" or openings that, in the Lynch visual lexicon, connote portals of transition to another level of consciousness. What strikes me most here is how EACH AND EVERY shot is a shining example of brilliant composition. Each one is framable and warrants hours of attention. Lynch's vision is almost "Rembrandtian", playing beautifully with stunning contrasts of lights and darks, with chiaroscuro as it were.

"The Elephant Man" is an entirely satisfying, artistically outstanding, and emotionally cathartic experience that stands the test of time with great strength and style. David Lynch's finest work.

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3.0 out of 5 stars The tyranny of normality.
Although generally interpreted as David Lynch's breakthrough, the main force behind the making of 'The Elephant Man' was Mel Brookes. Read more

Published on July 18 2004 by R Jess

5.0 out of 5 stars DVD interviews welcome addition to film classic
I saw the original in 1980, and the DVD in 2004. The DVD really is a nice package. Not only do you have this great film in crystal clear quality, but the interview package at the... Read more

Published on July 2 2004 by I. Lamont

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for those with a heart and soul
The Elephant Man is a film of incredible passion and power. For those who think "power" in the movies involves supernatural abilities or mastery of martial arts or... Read more

Published on Jun 28 2004 by Mark J. Fowler

5.0 out of 5 stars But all the crying voices, they can turn it around
Let me start off by saying, umm... meh. I thought I had something, but I don't. I went into viewing this film with semi-high expectations. Read more

Published on May 23 2004 by Trevor Bather

2.0 out of 5 stars the oscar movie
There is a reason that this movie recieved so many Oscar nominations; it's a movie meant for the occasion. Read more

Published on Mar 5 2004 by mama-jama

5.0 out of 5 stars the elephant man
"the elephant man" is one of the most moving, sad, & best films i have ever seen. it tells the story of john merrick. Read more

Published on Mar 2 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-Rending and Timeless
"Time hath not altered" the emotional impact this movie has on me when I watch it. The word "poignant" has grown hackneyed from overuse, but it certainly... Read more

Published on Feb 6 2004 by Bruce Kendall

5.0 out of 5 stars The Elephant Man
This movie was just plain great. I really in joyed this. This movie really had no flaws. Great movie and you feel real bad for the charictars. Read more

Published on Dec 22 2003 by Lauren B. Floss

4.0 out of 5 stars A touching drama
Elephant man, You could only see his eyes behind the layers of makeup, but those expressive orbs earned John Hurt a well-deserved Oscar nomination for his moving portrayal of John... Read more

Published on Oct 31 2003 by Tom Servo

5.0 out of 5 stars emotionally shattering
I rented this movie on a recommendation from a David Lynch fan. He said it wasn't as weird as his other films and is probably the best place to start to slowly ease into what he... Read more

Published on Oct 5 2003 by doug

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