I first saw the film in about 1983 and have watched it numerous times since. It was shot in monochrome, to add further impact and and better illustrate the poorest quarter of London in the 19th century. Whitechapel. If you haven't yet seen it, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. Even though there are areas that stray from the truth, it is, nevertheless, a masterpiece of cinematography, in my opinion. I look forward to your construction opinions. Not just on the film itself, but on the way Joseph is portrayed, and, especially, the depicted relationship between Frederick Treves and Joseph Merrick, (known in the film, as 'John'.
I think The Elephant Man was Lynch’s first foray into “mainstream” movies. And when I say “mainstream”, I mean a movie with a comprehensive plot. Even so, there are a lot elements in the film that are decidedly Lynchian. The dream sequence is full of the haunting, abstract, symbolic images our delightfully quirky director is best known for.
ReplyDeleteEven though the EM was geared more towards the common movie-goer, it certainly broke all the moulds. For one thing, it was shot in black and white. This sort of became the movie’s trademark, along with the creepy sideshow calliope music, though it’s sort of an unwritten rule, now. Every time you make something about "The Elephant Man," you have to throw in the obligatory circus music. Weird...
But the black and white worked. It really helped create the proper atmosphere, making the movie look like a Victorian photograph that came to life.
The actors did an absolutely phenomenal job. You can really tell everyone was into it, and gave it their all and it made me fall in love with Anthony Hopkins. Though he doesn’t show much in the way of emotion. Hopkins is so incredibly believable as Treves.
The late, great Anne Bancroft lights up the screen as actress Mrs. Kendal, Dame Wendy Hiller is Head Matron Mrs. Mothershead, and the two villains, Bytes and the Night Porter (Freddie Jones and Micheal Elphick) are really nasty characters.
And then, of course, there’s John Hurt...
John Hurt’s portrayal of Joseph Merrick is one for the ages, perhaps creating one of the most likable characters ever to grace the silver screen. He can make you smile, and move you to tears with just a look in his eyes.
Is it any wonder why I love this movie so much?
Though there are several historical inaccuracies, I give the Elephant Man an “A” for effort and an “A+++” for all around excellence.