 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Elephant Man
- Review Date: August 23, 2005
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 1980
Common Sense Media says
Heartbreaking drama isn't for sensitive viewers.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this emotionally intense movie contains possibly disturbing imagery of cruel treatment, deformities, and surgery. It also treats thoughtfully its themes of exploitation, kindness, and strength of the human spirit.
What's the story?
In THE ELEPHANT MAN, Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) makes a shocking discovery at a carnival side show: an "Elephant Man" (John Hurt) exhibiting a grotesque deformity over most of his body. Because he's sick and shows signs of abuse, he's brought to London Hospital, where he's studied and made a spectacle of all over again. Another shock comes when it becomes clear that Merrick isn't the imbecile they thought he was, but a compassionate and literate gentleman who's been playing dumb out of fear. Treves exposes him to culture, finery, things he's only dreamed of experiencing, yet a question gnaws at him. Is he exploiting his unfortunate friend for personal gain? Under his supervision, John Merrick, who suffers from "a disfigurement of the most extreme nature," is clothed, fed, shown a loving care he's never before known, but he's still on display, still a freak, and through him Treves has made a name for himself in the medical community and London society.
Is it any good?
Based on The Elephant Man and Other Reminisces by the real-life Treves, as well as Ashley Montagu's The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity, this dark and beautiful 1980 movie leaves the question unanswered. Director and co-writer David Lynch doesn't explain the characters' actions, which makes them good topics of discussion for teenagers mature enough to tackle the subject matter.
Lynch doesn't sentimentalize, either, or tone down his trademark haunting imagery (the design for John Hurt's makeup came from casts of the real John Merrick). He gives us Victorian England in all of its squalor, but he also gives us his most deeply affecting work in starkly beautiful black and white. Standouts in a phenomenal cast are stars Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, and Kenny Baker, the dwarf who, upon leading Merrick toward freedom, says, "Luck, my friend. Luck. And who needs it more than we?"
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether the doctor who rescues the Elephant Man from a circus, only to put him on a different sort of display is a "good man," or a "bad man," as he himself wonders aloud. They might also discuss how society's treatment of the disabled has changed and how it has remained the same since the times of the Elephant Man.
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- All members
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- Teens & kids
AGE
You'll likely forgive its flaws in prtraying the titular character is an object of pity more than a human because of Lynch's skillful direction, the cinematography, and the great acting.
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AGE
A masterpiece
This is one of the most moving films ever made. John Hurt does a magnificent job under his makeup portraying a human who is only beginning to discover his humanity. This is not a movie for young kids, as it has many disturbing and scary images. For mature viewers, however, it is a must-see.
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AGE
poignant and moving
This movie is poignant and moving. I applaud Christopher Tucker who did John Hurt's make up. Anthony Hopkins, John Gielgud, and Anne Bancroft are fantastic. An unforgettable movie.
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Kid, 10 years old
February 24, 2012
AGE
awesome movie
really sad, great role models, true story, great movie. i like how they chose to shoot it in black in white because i don't think it would be that good in colour. some people may think its a bit scary. the main character John merrick is a good role model sort of.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | David Lynch |
| Cast: | Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 123 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 3, 1980 |
| DVD release date: | May 13, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | Parental Guidance Suggested |
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