The Elephant Man (1980)

The Elephant Man is a completely and utterly devastating film - yet it's so beautiful at the same time. The film is based on the true story of John Merrick, a horribly disfigured man living in Victorian England. He was ridiculed by everyone, and was treated like an animal whilst living in a travelling circus for freaks - people called him The Elephant Man. But that was all before he met a doctor named Frederick Treves. John Hurt is absolutely astonishing as Merrick. It's heart-breaking to see such a kind and clever man treated so badly, and he portrays the emotions perfectly, even through the heavy prosthetics - which he uses as instruments to enhance his performance rather than something holding him back. But he doesn't overshadow Anthony Hopkins equally impressive portrayal of Treves. Such an understated and sympathetic performance, he manages to convey everything that's happening through a single look - excellent. Freddie Jones is equally fantastic as Mr Bytes, John Merrick's evil owner. Such a hateful person, based on the real-life man Tom Norman. Even in the happier moments of the film, you'll still feel sad. John was such a lovely and polite person and when he's happy you can't help but feel upset because of how horrible it must have been for him. The wonderful screenplay captures this excellently. Writers Christopher DeVore, Eric Bergren and David Lynch find the perfect tone and adapt Treve's own book brilliantly. The film looks absolutely beautiful as well. Filmed gloriously in black and white, Freddie Francis' cinematography looks incredible. The lighting looks grand too, creating some stunning contrast. And director David Lynch adds some of his trademark strangeness to the film, making the film feel very dark as well uplifting. Verdict: The Elephant Man is a display on how good the human race can be; but also on how crushingly awful - and it couldn't have been executed better. It's shot beautifully; the performances are remarkable; and it will completely shatter your heart.