The Elephant Man - 10 stars out of 10

The Elephant Man - 10 stars out of 10

"The Elephant Man" is worthy of each of its 8 Academy Award nominations and it is absurd that it did not win anything. It is appropriate that they created a "best make-up" category following the year of The Elephant Man, but it was too little, too late.  Along with Planet of the Apes, The Elephant Man set a new standard for make-up in film.  But there is more to this movie than impressive make-up effects.  From the tear running down Anthony Hopkins' cheek to the final scene set to Barber's tragic "Adagio for Strings," David Lynch successfully captured the emotion of this sorrowful story.  One of the most effective features of the film is how Lynch entices the viewer to react to Merrick's appearance.  This character (incredibly played by John Hurt) is shrouded in mystery as we only get to see the reactions to his appearance by characters in the film.  After Hopkins reacts with emotion, then the doctors, then the nurses, we finally get our first good view of Merrick in his hospital room as the nurse reacts with terror.  At that moment, it's hard to believe what you see on screen, let alone to comprehend that this "human" existed.  Although a few of the scenes are historically inaccurate (some things happen in different orders, his "owner" may not have actually abused him), the "extra" drama is necessary to elicit the necessary emotions throughout the film.  The Elephant Man is one of the saddest (and yet touching) films ever created, highlighted by beautiful performances by Hurt, Bancroft, Dunlop, an infuriating performance by Elphick, and particularly by the tears of Gordon and Hopkins.  The Elephant Man is a film that will not soon be forgotten and you are missing out until you've experienced it.