The Elephant Man (1980)

In my opinion, ‘The Elephant Man’, is an emotional and beautiful film about how appearances can be deceiving and what is underneath that is important.

The Elephant Man is a emotional story about how Dr. Frederic Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers John Merrick (John Hurt) in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the "Elephant Man." Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul.

At first, this movie makes me question the meanings of Merricks life, being born with a mind of brilliance, along the lines of Alexander Hamilton, but had to live in a body so disfigured, that he couldn't get close to anyone, however I believe that the character of Merrick is the most unbelievably courageous person, because to have to show yourself in front of multiple people everyday, and have them scream and gasp at you must be humiliating especially when you have a great mind and no one knows. It is impossible for people to understand that Merrick because of the way he was born had nothing else , this Freakshow was the only thing he had. The man who ‘owned’ Merrick treats his like an object and not a human being, in which over time he would start to believe that himself as anybody would, if something is said to a person so many time, they will start to believe that themselves. The story of ‘The Elephant Man’, seems like a fate worse than death and you really sympathize with the character, however John Merrick isn’t just a character in a film, he was a real person. He was Born in 1962, but died at the age of 28 in 1890.

After understanding the story, and watching the film, it is impossible to understand how the film never won an Academy Award, even though it was nominated for one. I can guarantee you that when you watch this film, there will not be a dry eye in the room, it is a popular belief that a person who has gone through hardship develops a pure soul, and this is definitely true in Merricks case and he deserved much better than what life had handed him.