Maybe overrated

Rating: Null/10 (14 May 2013)

People here have called the movie "Lynchian". I call it Kafkaesk. It is an exercise in misery. You are meant to feel like trash for being human. You are meant to feel like trash for your pity and your curiosity.
The notion that the movie is based on a true story helps to drive home all of this. The movie becomes more real and gruesome, because we take it for reality.
You don't want to watch this movie, because you know it will make you feel bad. And then you watch it and "surprise" it does make you feel bad. And whenever you look back at it, it makes you feel bad some more.
I may sound like a bit of a hedonist here, but what is the point? You read the premise of the movie and you get the message: "Treat living things with respect. And behave like an arse." - It's very deep.
Does it make me a better human if I suffer through the pains of the Elephant Man? -I very much doubt it.
Does it make somebody else a better human to suffer through the pains of the Elephant Man? -I doubt it, but I am not certain. Also: Don't you dare show this to a kid. The emotional scarring might have the adverse effect. You would not rape your child to teach it, that rape is bad...
Did I learn or experience anything of value? -No, because I already treated living things with respect, before I saw the movie.
Did I have a good time? -Certainly not, I was busy feeling miserable or bored.
Is the movie special for giving you misery? -No, others did that just as well, or maybe better.
I don't think you have to like a movie, because it is uncompromising. However, I think this movie deserves respect for dealing with difficult subjects. I also think, that there may be better ways to do that.