Factually inaccurate, but worth a watch

Rating: 6/10 (2 October 2016)

This film is the story of Joseph (falsely called John) Merrick, the legendary 'elephant man.' It begins with Dr. Treves, the film's other main protagonist, discovering and then going on to save Mr. Merrick. The film chronicles the rest of Merrick's life, up until his death in 1890.
In typical Hollywood fashion, the facts of the real man's life are largely ignored in order to create a more dramatic viewing experience. For example, it appears he was not mistreated by his freak show promoters, and even expressed gratitude towards them according to Treves. His exhibitions in Europe also occurred before he was ever admitted to the London hospital, with the obsessed former promoter who kidnaps him story line completely fabricated to create peril. Merrick was in fact swindled when in Europe and able to return to London without assistance from anyone. That would seem to indicate he was a far more independent man than the film presents him as.
The Treves character is given an over-inflated role, as although he did care for Merrick and some of the film's scenes are based on real events, many are embellished heavily.
Lynch does not so much pull at the heart strings, but attaches them to a pneumatic winch. His lack of music was played to perfection, with the emphasis almost entirely on the other characters' reactions to him. Although the film is beautifully shot and superbly acted by all concerned, the supposed depth is lacking. The 'message' that we are all human, despite superficial appearances is not exactly one of extreme profundity.