I was on the set at Lees Studios when John Hurt first appeared in full makeup for the test shots. As he says in the programme, there was an immediate hush on the stage as he went up to do the lines infront of camera. You could have heard a pin drop. After the makeup test, I looked around the set and a couple of the sparks were in tears.I had not (and still haven't) seen that kind of emotion on a film set concerning a performance in my life. I turned and said to a colleague, "If it has that effect on a film crew, just think what it'll do to an audience". Such an honour to work on that film.
Nothing against John’s imitation of Joseph, because that’s really what it is, but I think it’s like looking at a ghost of a long lost loved one. Imagine if someone took a death mask of your dead relative or friend or someone whom you feel sorry for and you put it on your head and then try to imitate them… well it’s sobering for many reasons and it depends on the intent as well. In John’s case, you can sense he doesn’t disrespect Joseph’s memory and you can tell Joseph’s life moved him. So his imitation is done with respect - no disrespect and I think that adds to it. Because John Hurt is clearly not doing this to mock the real Joseph. He’s using his death mask to relate his story to those who may never have heard of Joseph at all. This movie has lead me to do better and to actually research the real man of Joseph Carey Merrick and his story is so heartbreakingly tragic and yet oddly a good wake up call for everyone. I’m glad John Hurt respected Joseph.
John Hurt said it best, 'If you can get to the end of this film and not be moved, then you're someone I don't think I want to know' Absolutely bang on. I refuse to watch this film in the same room as anyone else because I sob like a child everytime I watch it. It's heartbreaking and that's a testament to just how well made, shot and acted the film is. How this didn't win any of the Oscars it was nominated for is astounding. Strangely, despite me spending half the runtime of this film crying, I always feel so much better about myself after it's finished, it makes my petty modern day beefs and grievances go away and for a film to do that, that's special.
I’ve seen this movie at least 6 times. Just watched it again a few nights ago. Such a sad story but great acting by all actors. John Merrick lived a tough short life but was shown kindness and love at the end.
He didn't want to do it for free. He was so engaged and fascinated with the project that he _would have_ done it for free. Those are two completely different things.
I absolutely love how Mel Brooks lent out his special B&W film equipment out to David Lynch under the condition that he (Brooks) not be on the credits as he didn't want the audience to perceive this film as a comedy.
My grandfather who fought at the Somme in the British army, saw unspeakable horror, was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war, then fought as an Australian soldier in WW2, and was wounded, saw this movie with me, and cried his eyes out. He was so moved by it. We both sat there and bawled our eyes out. It is one of the most moving movies I have ever watched. ❤
I can't even get through the 30 minute retrospective on RU-vid without crying, I'd been so moved by the story 35 or 40 years ago. Edit: Much respect to your grandfather.
Proof, it was needed, that the Academy Awards are a sham. This masterpiece was nominated 8 times and won nothing. Freddie Francis wasn't even nominated for his cinematography. It does not matter. John Hurt's performance is one of the greatest ever seen in cinema and the film itself is a work of art.
One of the points raised in the documentary is that "they" did not make movies like this back then either. They were gently pointing out that Hollywood was the same back then as it is now. Your romanticized belief or sense of a better Hollywood of the past that cared about making "brilliant" films is a _misunderstanding_ about what Hollywood is.
John Hurt's willingness to sit for twelve hours while that make-up was applied and then perform what had to be a very difficult part flawlessly absolutely amazed me then and still does to this day and to do it all for free made him one of the greatest actors ever to grace the silver screen. Many thanks to all for making this incredible tribute to John Merrick.
He didn’t DO the film for free, he said he WOULD HAVE done it for free, to indicate his enthusiasm for the project. You are absolutely right, though, he is one of the greatest actors the profession has ever produced or will ever produce. Very few actors possess, or have possessed, the kind of commitment to their craft, the stamina or the acting talent that John Hurt displayed in this film.
Having a disabled sister ; (at birth), a disabled cousin (auto crash) as well as my grandpa (disabled from stroke), my life’s journey has been teaching disability awareness to elementary aged children. With this said….The Elephant Man movie was incredibly moving to me. I have seen the movie numerous times over the years. This video however, shed a wondrous light on the insight behind John Hurts’ portrayal of John Merrick. Breathtaking performance.
@@cleopatra1633 The first thing I saw him in was when I was a kid in the early 80s was the Partners where he plays a gay cop. He was very convincing in that.
The most moving film ever made that doesn't rely upon cynical manipulation. Everything about this film is superb from the acting, script, cinematography and music. A rare example of perfect cinema
He wasn't cruel though if you watch the film properly. He gave you the impression at first but probably scared of the character played by Freddie Jones, but he gest help towards the end.@@jb-vb8un
Yes!! My post above called it "glitz-free", similar to your "cynical" comment. This could have been souped up, hammed up, gone for the jugular - but no, just the facts.
I love John Hurt's work and this is one of his greatest roles. How he cried out the words, "I am not an animal - I am a human being!" still makes me well up just remembering it. Just magnificent. (I also did not know until now that Mel Brooks was an executive producer of this film - I admire his foresight in keeping his own name hushed, because of his fame in comedy)
"Mel Brooks presents ... The Elephant Man !" Yeah, that would have been confusing as hell. Kedos to him for hiding his name and still producing this classic. What a Mensch.
"Trunk call from Mr Merrick, he'll be along in ten minutes Doctor" "Better nip out and get some extra buns in. Did he say why he's so late?" "He says he forgot" "A likely story!" etc
John Hurt: "If you can get to the end of the Elephant Man without being moved I dont think you'd be someone I would want to know." Perfection. A remarkable actor summarises the importance of empathy in an understanding of what makes us human.
Such a fantastic film. I LOVE how John Hurt offered to do this film for free. Makes me love him even more. I was lucky to meet him in 2015 at a Dr. Who convention, paid to get a professional photo with him (twice!) and he was so gracious. He passed away shortly afterwards so I cherish the photos with Mr. Hurt. This film is my favorite David Lynch film - a masterpiece.
The greatest movie of all time. I'm as hard as nails but this movie turns me into a crying mess with tears rolling down my face. It is the beauty, humility and innocence of Merrick's personality that gets me, such a beautiful soul in such a deformed body. Sometimes I wonder what he looks like now for he is in heaven. God bless you Joseph Merrick dear brother.
Just imagine the immeasurable joy, Praise and Thankfulness to the Lord the moment Joseph left his deformed body and saw his glorious body in heaven.... Unspeakable happiness
I was 5 when it came out and I remember seeing the advertisements and how they frightened me. My mother would just chuckle and say "Its just the Elephant man sweetie" and yet that fear stuck with me, inhibiting me from wanting me to see it. A film as good as it is has its own historic buzz and I eventually saw it late in adulthood... It is my favorite film, yet if I am asked what my favorite film is, it doesn't come to mind... Funny thing the mind.
One of my favorite images is the scene where Anthony Hopkins is walking along a side street and a 3-legged dog crossses his path, notices the doctor, and moves out of the way. This is a wonderful example of film making wherein a scene with no dialogue summarizes the themes of the movie.
John Hurt was God's gift to us all. As far as this movie is concerned, it represents probably the single most gifted ensemble of British actors on earth at the time, a lasting monument of film greatness. Not only was this David Lynch's finest hour, but I had NO IDEA that Mel "Blazing Saddles" Brooks was the actual producer! I think it was especially appropriate that he purposely left his name out of this project, a tribute to his wisdom and humility.
Even the documentary makes me cry, lol! What a fabulous film and a tribute to the power of the human spirit. Every aspect of it is a tour-de-force in movie-making!
Mr. Lynch's shot of Joseph in the darkly lit hallway as he makes his way back to his room, the cardboard that would become the his replica of St. Phillip's Church under his arm is to me, the greatest image of loneliness and human dignity ever gifted to Cinema.
I had no idea how involved Mel Brooks was. He was influential in this movie getting made and insisted his name was kept out of the credits. What a great human being.
Having known the story of the Elephant Man, I knew that when I first saw a poster advertising its release, that it would be an amazing film. It exceeded my expectations. I went with my sister and remember that she wept at the end. Just a heartbreaking story.
Theres still studios out there that would let this movie be made, studios like A24 and neon are very good at not meddling with the intent of the film makers and letting them follow their vision.
Anthony Hopkins plays a lot English characters and that confuses many, especially Americans, there is never a hint of a welsh accent in any of his films, so you can see why many would say English
99.99% of yanks don't know Wales. It makes me laugh when they describe themselves as Irish/Scottish American....'cos their grand mother's sisters in law's neighbour was from Glasgow.
ah that's sad. Wasn't aware of his passing. Often overlooked makeup artist but after watching this i have a new found respect for him as this was an immense workload and looked great even in colour
BC Canadian🇨🇦, I saw the play in New York '78, Philip Anglim in the title role. As a doctor told of his crippling, he twisted his midriff- draped body - then held intense distortion all through.
This is the best film I have ever seen. I rented it from the video shop and it had to be back the next day. I stayed up all night and watched it three times.
One of the most profoundly moving films in my experience. Countless grand epic tragedies pale alongside this laser focus on ONE tormented human, presented glitz-free and full of heart 🙏❣️
Haunted by this film for a lifetime. I had the great opportunity to play John Merrick with Joanna Cassidy at The actors studio closed sessions, I had damaged my left leg and used the play to stretch and work out my injuries… after my training with Martin Landau and his students, I was able to bring merrick to life with my own traumas and substitutions… by the end I was dreaming of John / Joseph… we would spend time together in the workhouses and to be truthful it was quite terrifying. I am still an actor and hope my career turns upward so that I can bring it back to the stage the same way Bowie did before me. Joanna was brilliant as the famous actress and my friend played the doctor Treeves who gave me a brand new walking cane for our introduction… the play does not require faces or malformations of the mouth… it’s about the body and the soul… hope this message finds itself interesting someday.
The most moving, emotional and powerful film I’ve ever seen……..and I’ve seen many great films over the decades. The talents of those involved is to be commended. Shows many sides of human nature - kindness and cruelty in both their extremes especially……….
That was one of my top ten or maybe even top 5 movies but god was it depressing and sad especially knowing it was based on reality. Thank you for posting this doc.
Most wonderful film - what a team effort by ALL concerned, A labour of love and human kindness. I avoided watching the fim when it was made, but eventually watched it on TV, in the early 1990's. It broke my heart. What John Hurt says is true - if the film doesn't affect you, you are not a person I'd want to know. I've never dared to watch it again, but even watching this, makes me cry. If this film isn't worth of an oscar, then let them keep their tawdry little bauble. This is greatness incarnate - especially the acting of John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins.
I remember watching this film when it was first released and just about everybody in the movie theater was crying by the time the end credits rolled ...
One of my favorite movies of all time, and yet also one of the most difficult movies to sit through. The sense of unease that Lynch evokes throughout the film is palpable; and when juxtaposed with the profound humanity and kindness of the film's subject, the result is almost a kind of religious experience.
I AM NOT A ANIMAIL I AM A MAN IM A HUMAN BEING!!!!!! that said words chills me as he was trying to escape but society wont let him be and feels even more isolated i was 1 year old when the movie was out and i saw the movie in 94 i havent seen who john hurt was till 3 years after he died in 2016 i looked him up and there he was a nice darked haired man from england i fell his pain for him having nerofiber mytosis i feel isolated myself with my autisim but it can be treated but mr merrick's disorder cant be cured
John Hurt perhaps my favorite actor...I think his ALIEN "stomach scene" sold me but Elephant Man and 1984 confirmed it for me. I remember mentioning him in an acting class in college and when professor said he was a "One Trick Pony", it remained with me forever...John Hurt was underrated.
The Elephant Man is one of my favorite films. I love the performances, the black and white cinematography, the screenplay. I always see the film with empathy for John Merrick, and what he suffered. This truly a great film and what was a very challenging film to make. Seeing this film in an old theater was icing on the cake.
This documentary is a very nice watch. The movie itself is a milestone in cinema history. A real gem. Impossible to watch or rewatch it without shedding a tear. My top 2 scenes: the trainstation scene with the famous line "I'm not an animal" / the scene where a freak show is set up by drunk visitors in John Merrick's own hospital room (human cruelty at its peak).
In an industry rife with egos and backstabbing (aka the foibles of The Human Condition), it is a testament to all the visionaries and artists involved in this production to have created such a deeply moving masterpiece. This has to be in my Top 5 favorite movies of all time across various genres. It also helps that 2 of my favorite actors were in it; Sir Anthony Hopkins and the late John Hurt. An example of “egos aside” is Mel Brooks decision to not include his name on the credits. A wise man indeed.
I remember like it was yesterday seeing this movie in the theaters in august 1980. To this day, the movie resonates with me . The movie is a classic , that if re-released today would be a reviewed highly. The actors, the music, the Victorian theme . It was like the movie goer was transported in time to Mr. Merrick's era.
RIP Chris Tucker. Incredible makeup artist.also they are pretty sure John Merrick had Proteus syndrome not the other mentioned. This movie was one the best movies ever made in my humble opinion
John hurt was one of the best actors on the planet god rest he's soul I would have loved to have met him he was the guy next door so humble ❤❤❤no one could have played the elephant 🐘man better absolute legend 💪
Tis true my form is something odd But blaming me is blaming God Could I create myself anew I would not fail in pleasing you. If I could reach from pole to pole Or grasp the ocean with a span I would be measured by the soul The mind's the standard of the man. “False Greatness” - Isaac Watts
A masterpiece of film. Acting second to none. Cinematic look and feel Brilliant! I saw this film ad a teenager with my girlfriend she got up and stormed out of the theater she said " they're putting him on display once again!." I didn't feel that way. I finished watching. I cry every time I see any of Mr Merrick and what he endured. RIP.
I just saw the film recently. Im amazed that movie like this even existed. No explosions, no annoying jokes, no love triangle, no woke agenda. Just an ART experience. I just think audiences today are far too mentally ill to appreciate a cerebral film like this.
This film inspired me to become a doctor when I was a kid. I'm now a surgeon in London, having worked for a year in the very same hospital he was admitted to. It is now off course a huge modern institution in Whitechapel/ East London.
Wow, this is a great documentary that I've not seen before. And I thought I 'd seen all the documentaries about this film. I adore the film but it always pains me that it's not that accurate. I completely understand why they went the way they did with the script, but Bytes never treated Joseph badly, and it's sad that his reputation had to be sacrificed to make the film dramatic. Michael Howell & Peter Ford's book is a must read for anyone interested in the true story.
The real Joseph Merrick is still deeply mourned and missed. I hope he is no longer suffering and in Paradise at peace. Joseph you were and remain an irreplaceable handsome soul with so much heart.
Isn't it a shame that cinema has gone down the hill, i know that it boils down to making money, this seems like the only reason nowadays to produce movies, we need great films once again.
Removed from air-headed and self-serving TikTok "influencers" obsessed about their appearance these days, John Merrick was a decent, kind and dignified human being regardless of his genetic afflictions, because life didn't revolve around him. He knew his condition and yet, despite the cruel inhumanity shown to him, he was apparently a deeply genteel man - far more than could be said for so many Narcissistic gym bunnies these days! Beauty fades, but an erudite personality is a legacy - if only "plastic ppl" attended to their minds as much as their fallible bodies!
Amen to that. Beauty is only skin-deep. True beauty is within. Gad, some people are so vain, it sickens me. I wish more people cared more about inner beauty instead of outer beauty.
I saw this in 1980. I don't think that I had yet seen Eraserhead but I was very aware of it so the name David Lynch have no great significance. It was the story that attracted me to the film. Thankfully this being the days before the internet and the over saturation of media surrounding the release of a film I went in with absolutely no foreknowledge of what I was about to see. To see this on a big screen was an extraordinary experience. Not many films were being made in black and white anymore and I cannot it being made in colour. It captures the grit and grime of the period in a way that colour couldn't. Having never or heard about John Merrick it was a stunning moment when he is finally revealed and you are both horrified and deeply saddened by his affliction. John Hurt gives a remarkable performance and it's a shame that neither he nor the film got more awards but the Oscars are notorious for their shortsightedness. The one scene that reduces me to tears every time I watch it is when Dr. Treves takes John home for tea and to meet his wife. It's highly unlikely that this scene actually happened as many of the incidents are fictional. It's an extraordinary film.
