A uniquely human story

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2009)

The elephant man is a subtly and fantastically realized allegory to our society and the way we personify the fear of the Unknown. In this movie John Merrick suffers from a horribly disfiguring disease that makes him look and seem like a monster, but beneath his seemingly repulsive figure lies a man of genuine knowledge and sensitivity. In this movie a young spry Anthony Hopkins plays a doctor seeking to better the living conditions of John Merrick but also discover the reasons behind his baffling medical condition. Though he is most likely the most redeemable character in the movie, one must question if he shows hospitality to Mr.Merrick merely out of kindness or wish to further his career in the medical field. This constant looming question functions as the dominating theme for the movie and makes us question ourselves and look at society in a different light, which is what superb movie making should be all about. a fantastic story from beginning to end, well acted, superbly shot, and overall a 9/10