I am a human being- story of a remarkable man

Rating: 10/10 (10 October 2009)

During the years 1862 and 1890 lived a man by the name of Joseph Merrick.This is his story.Except in the movie his name is John Merrick.Merrick was born with a physical disability caused by a congenital disorder.His condition was characterized by tumors under the skin, around the nerves and in the bones.People called him the elephant man because of the way he looked.Frederick Trevers, a surgeon at the London Hospital, discovers John Merrick in a Victorian freak show, where he is managed by the brutish Bytes.Merrick wears a hood and cape when in public.Bytes calls Merrick an imbecile, but Trevers notices what a bright young man he is.He just has never been given the chance to show that to anybody.Also the London society soon notices Mr. John Mrrick.The Elephant Man (1981) is the second feature of David Lynch.Mel Brooks, who liked his first movie, was one of the producers.John Hurt is outstanding as Merrick.Anthony Hopkins gives a brilliant performance as Treves.Anne Bancroft, the late wife of Brooks, is terrific as Mrs. Kendal.Frederic Treves, great nephew of the surgeon, appears in the opening sequences as an Alderman trying to close down the freak show.You are deeply moved by Merrick's character.It is the most touching scene when Merrick is chased around and is cornered.He cries I AM NOT AN ANIMAL! I AM A HUMAN BEING! This movie is a cry for humanity.We're all human beings- sometimes it's just buried too deep inside us.