A hundred per cent film

Rating: 10/10 (19 November 1998)

This film tells the true story of John Merrick, who suffered from a rare disease (multiple neurofibromatosis). His case was very severe. In addition to the enormous skin growth he had a misshapen head of almost unimaginable dimensions.
Because of the heavy make-up, John Hurt was forced to portray the man mainly with his voice and he has done the difficult task seemingly effortless. For example the very moving scenes at Dr. Treves' home or when he asks the doctor hesitantly Can you cure me?" and a calm reaction follows the negative reply.
It doesn't take long to hate the two evil characters of the film (a compliment for the actors). Bytes, the owner" of Merrick (he's the greatest freak in the world") and the night porter of the hospital, who forces Merrick to look into a mirror.
The presentation of 19th-century England is perfect, thanks to a wonderful black and white photography.
It's evident that everyone involved in this picture has given 100 percent. A touching film like no other, one of the finest moments in cinema history.