
The Elephant Man
12A 123 mins
Dr. Frederic Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers Joseph (John) Merrick (John Hurt) in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the "Elephant Man." Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul, and that Merrick can teach the stodgy British upper class of the time a lesson about dignity. Merrick becomes the toast of London and charms a caring actress (Anne Bancroft) before his death at 27. Part of David Lynch's Dream Theatre, a year-long tribute to an artist from another place. Our monthly screening of a Lynch masterpiece will also be paired with one film cited as an inspiration.