The Elephant Man

I am not an animal. I am a human being. I am a man.

"The Elephant Man" is one of the most touching, beautiful, best movies ever made. It tells the story of John Merrick, called The Elephant Man because he had a facial deformation, and his quest to be accepted as a normal human being. The screenplay is wonderful; it shows two amazing leading characters, that face real problems realisticly, a great storyline that evolves naturaly, and lots of pain and hapiness. The lines are very poignant and beautiful, too, as are the moral implications of this movie. The way this intelligent, kind, cultored man can't be accepted is painful, because you want him so much to succed.

Great part of the success of the movie is because of the actors. John Hurt gives a mind blowing performance, and one of the very best I've seen; his kindness is real, the way he talks is real, the way he walks and gets into the character is just unbeliavable. You can actually feel his pain on your skin, such is the streght of his performance. His breakdown scene in the train station, is just a cry for freedom; and it sounds so truly angustiated, that you can almost believe this is actually happening. Anthony Hopkins is very good, and he has a very good chemistry with John Hurt, that evolves during the movie. I think he underplayed is character, but it worked and let us foccuse on John Hurt. The supporting cast is all very good, even if outshined by John Hurt.

The soundtrack is hauntig. It perfectly sets the dark, dramatic tone of the movie, and makes the movie have more impact on you. The editing is good, particulary in some of the scenes. The make up is the best I've seen; it's beliavable, and it must have been tremendously difficult to do, but it's simply amazing. Lynch's direction is original; I don't think he was trying to pull the tissues, if you know what I mean, but to show a touching story just focusing mostly on the actors, wich works. I loves some of his shots, like the part in wich John Hurt is humiliated by people in the hospital; it just shows you all the confusion and pain of the moment. The black and white colour is dark, and it makes you just think about the story, without lots of colour to distract you.

This is a simply flawless movie that everyone should watch; it has an important message delivered without being sappy, great performances, direction, music and editing. If you haven't, go watch this right now. It is sure to make you cry.