Perception beyond face value...

Rating: 10/10 (16 August 2019)

The skin at face value most certainly isn't everything, and Lynch's The Elephant Man wants one to be very aware of this. There are many different facets/attributes that make up something that is beautiful. It encourages one to think outside of the box when encountering something within reality. The soul is more than the shell. Digging deep under the skin could bring great rewards. Perhaps after watching this film you will see people, and creatures in general, in a different sort of way. Perhaps reality will unfold into a new light.
This film is one of the most emotionally exhausting films I think I have ever seen. It is presented in stark black and white which fits quit nicely with the industrial landscape and subject matter. Without spoiling anything, the end had me entranced and in complete awe. It's probably the most riveting ending I have ever seen in a movie. After the movie had ended I sat in complete silence thinking about it all. It was extremely powerful. I felt emotionally drained but also enlightened.
The Elephant Man is far more straightforward in comparison to other Lynch films. However, there is still Lynch's surrealism thrown into the mix. For instance, the industrial landscape of the town. I thought the cinematography and layout very pleasing.
In closing, it's raw and it's powerful. It has superb acting (Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt are both absolutely phenomenal). It will make you think. It's something a lot of films fail to do. The Elephant Man is a keeper.