For anyone with a heart

Rating: 9/10 (8 July 2006)

Easily David Lynch's most accessible film and undoubtedly a classic that is still heartbreaking for me to watch. 'The Elephant Man's' accessibility is undoubtedly owing to Lynch's decision to sparingly use his surrealist style. Lynch's typical traits as a filmmaker are only really evident when relating to Merrick's mother. Also unusually for Lynch, the film has such a positive message and contains such universal sentiments about being an outsider and the desire to be normal that it is difficult not to connect with the film on some level.
The ending is one of my favourite scenes ever and is unspeakably beautiful with John Merrick dying and his mother appearing in the sky telling him that 'nothing will die'. His mother, meeting him in the afterlife, becomes the angel that he envisioned. It is really difficult not to react to such a powerful scene and is indicative of the films overwhelming effect on an audience.
John Hurt gives a great performance in the role of John Merrick. His acting really arouses sympathy for John Merrick, giving his character a polite and simple friendliness that only contributes to the tragedy of the film.
The soundtrack is also perfectly used in 'The Elephant Man' not dominating the film but rather adding to the haunting and melancholy atmosphere of the movie. Silence is also suitably used to add tension to scenes.
Although 'The Elephant Man' has a PG rating it is certainly not a film I would recommend to children as it is a disturbing film which is at times extremely discomforting to watch. The human exploitation which Merrick faces from the night porter in the hospital is a good example. I found it such a draining experience to watch as it is an entirely believable account of the treatment Merrick would in reality have received because of his appearance.
Although not my favourite film by David Lynch, this will always remain a personal favourite. A film that I probably will not revisit to often but when I do will always have a profound effect on me.