SYNOPSIS

Lynch's film follows Merrick's life as Treves attempts to help 'the elephant man' both with his medical condition and by introducing him to polite society. Thus a moving story comprised of both joy and sadness unfolds on screen. To say more would be to spoil the effect of the film as this is a production whose greatest power lies in the impact of the first viewing.

OPINION

Lynch's approach here is to create a very sombre feel to this film. This is accentuated most obviously by the use of black and white, which slightly subdues even the more uplifting moments. Furthermore, the film inevitably looks very dated and on first viewing the audience would assume that this is a piece from the 30's or 40's. This impression is reinforced with the setting being Victorian England as opposed to the contemporay. This could be interpreted as a criticism but that is not entirely the case. This is a sad and moving story and the decision to shoot in black and white does not diminish how this tale unfolds. On the contrary, with the forgettable but suitably apllied soundtrack, this approach makes 'The Elephant Man' all the more atmospheric, to the extent that in certain passages it has echoes of a horror which is not entirely inappropriate. I know that when watching this as a youngster, I was pretty alarmed by the film (whether that is partly down to the skill of the director or that I was just an utter jessie as a child, I do not know). I can only assume that this is a deliberate ploy orchestrated by Lynch and the fact that we are transformed from instinctive repulsion to pity and empathy for Merrick is a triumph for which the director should be applauded. If the viewer is not engaged in any manner, then I imagine that this is a film they would find very boring, particularly at just under 2 hours length.

As an actor, Hopkins has been in some absolutely woeful films but given the right script he has a great presence on screen, and this is one of his best performances in front of the camera. He conveys a man of genuine compassion, but one who questions whether his motives for helping Merrick were entirely founded in that of a good samaritan or whether his fascination as a physician was as much a factor whilst who is really benefitting from his actions at the end of the day? Most importantly to the role, Hopkins performs in a very understated way so that while he is entirely credible as a figure of standing, he never monopolises the screen and his weaker moments of indecision and remorse are convincing. He is perfectly cast. With subordinate roles filled by Sir John Gielgud and Anne Bancroft, the acting is a strength, only slightly diminished by some marginally over the top cameos by the likes of Michael Elphick.

'The Elephant Man' is a film that you will either admire or dilike. It is hard to actually enjoy the film, even if you think it is a production of quality, because it is relatively uncomfortable viewing. This is not down to the direction or acting but the story itself. No one can justifiably be blamed for this as of course as this is an adaptation of a true story. Although certain liberties seem to have been taken with the story to be used as dramtic devices, this was never going to be a truly exciting or uplifting presentation, but it is emotionally stimulating. The strength of the film lies not in action but interaction between Merrick and those around him. I doubt in the hypocrisy of much of today's overt political correctness, Merrick would be viewed with more understanding and sensitivity. Personally, I think that with an increasing desire to shock an apathetic audience today he would either be featured on Channel Five or paraded as the winner of Big Brother.

As the special features are sparse and therefore shed little light on the background to the film, the following is a short biography that will hopefully help with regard to viewing this dvd.

Joseph Merrick's skeleton is housed at the Royal London Hospital, where in 1996 Dr Amita Sharma was able to establish that his disease was in fact Proteus Syndrome.