Coby gets emotional for David Lynch’s THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980) Movie Reaction FIRST TIME WATCHING
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- The Elephant Man is a 1980 biographical drama film loosely based on the life of Joseph Merrick (referred to as "John" in the film), a severely deformed man who lived in London in the late 19th century. The film was directed by David Lynch, produced by Jonathan Sanger, and executive produced by Mel Brooks (who was uncredited, to avoid audiences anticipating the film being in the vein of his comedic works, although his company Brooksfilms is in the opening credits). It stars John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon, and Freddie Jones.
Hello everyone, welcome to Popcorn Roulette! We are a movie and television reaction channel featuring a dynamic roster of reactors including COBY, MIA, LEIA, NICKI and JONATHAN and many others who drop in from time to time!
Thank you for supporting us and we hope you have a good time here!
For More Exclusive Content On Movies and TV Shows, and To Support Our Channel, Please Subscribe To Our Patreon at: / popcornroulette
Social Media:
Instagram: / popcornroulettereactions
Twitter: / p0pc0rnr0ulette
#TheElephantMan #Reaction
End Music by: Diego A. R. Delfino
I wish more reactors watched movies like Elephant Man. There are many great films out there beyond the obvious choices viewers often push for.
For each "Elephant Man", hundreds of MCU's
Agreed, Ashleigh Burton reacted to it on Monday in honor of David Lynch.
💯 The performances in this film are unparalleled.
@@cvonbarron As sad as it is that David Lynch passed away, it's nice to see he gets some new recognition from a younger generation that probably just didn't knew him.
@mrtveye6682 Agreed.
I saw this in London when it first was screened 40+ years ago. Sitting 2 rows from the front, as it was the only seat available at that screening, I stayed at the end to look at the credits. When they’d run through and the lights came up, those sitting in front of me were still in their seats, but the auditorium was quiet, well it was 5 minutes after the film had ended and I presumed that most people had left. But when I stood up to go and turned round, the whole auditorium was still almost full, very few had left and utter silence had prevailed for that 5 minutes, such was the impact of this brilliant film. An amazing experience and unforgettable.
That must have been a great experience.
And rightfully so. it's beautiful to know that many people were so profoundly affected. It speaks well of them as this movie provokes many moments of self-reflection as it relates to how we see other people's humanity ( and even our own) and forces honest self-evaluation of our own minds and hearts on the moral issues this movie brings up, and there are many. As an 8 year old I saw this and it utterly destroyed me and haunted me for decades until I could find it on DVD. Since, I've read every biography I could find on Joseph. Tragically there are too few on this most beautiful and wonderful young man. I've read the biographies and autobiographies of those involved in his life in any way. The consensus is unanimous. Joseph Carey Merrick is perceived to be the best of us. Malice to none and charity to all ... even toward his abusers. He was of impeccable character and exceptional demeanor. He was a gift to the world and treated so heinously by so many for so long. And yet, this precious young man found the good in people, loved people, and forgave all. Extraordinary. Beautiful. I pray more people will watch this film and read about him. I pray more people will get to know him in the limited capacity we can. Their lives will be forever changed for the better by him just as if he were alive and in our lives today. One has to be an extraordinary person indeed to touch people's hearts and change their lives almost a 150 years after their passing. I also encourage people to go online to the public domain website and download, print, and read Joseph's exceedingly brief but insightful autobiography!!! Joseph tells us about himself as he understood himself. That is a most treasured document in my library however brief it is. It's still his own words, his own self-expression.
Saw it in my local cinema. Total silence walking out and up the road. Waiting at the lights this hulking bloke turned to his girlfriend and broke the silence with 'Fu**ing awesome film!' And he wasn't wrong.
Nice! 😊😊I cannot say I had an elite and amazing location like yours! 😮🤩 But I remember watching on HBO's premiere on a Sunday evening. My point is like you I consider seeing the film as an event that changed my life! It raised so many questions on so many things. I've learned a lot but I sure am searching everyday. RIP Mr Lynch 😔
I love Mrs Mothershead’s transition from disdain to absolute love for John at the end. Such a great redemption arc. She was relieved when he had been found by the police.
No matter how badly John Merrick was treated he was always a gentleman. A wonderful movie about, among other things, humanity and dignity.
You've made an important remark.
i still do not understand how john hurt was not given the oscar for this 😢 thank you for your beautiful, sensitive reaction 👍
The makeup pulled a lot of attention off him.
In 1980, _anything_ involving that much makeup was, well, kind of crapped on by the Hollywood elite.
Makeup like that was very very new (the first Oscar for Special Effects makeup went to Rick Baker in '82, two years later) and marrying crazy talented acting performances with "monster makeup" was unfamiliar to Academy voters back then.
Then John Landis released _An American Werewolf in London_ in '81 and it was all over.
Hopkins and Hurt both should have won, not just Anthony.
Sadly he went up against Robert De Nero in Raging Bull. Any other year he wouldve cleaned up.
+1. It was just robbery.
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to act under all that makeup, such a fine performance from a great actor.
John Hurt knew DeNiro was gonna win, and DeNiro did a remarkable job, but that takes nothing away from Hurt’s performance. The movie and his performance are still strongly remembered to this day, and I’m sure wherever he is he’s thrilled with that.
There’s many moving moments in this film, it’s sad and beautiful at the same time. I’m glad it’s being rediscovered in David Lynch’s memory, he did a tremendous job with this film.
The cool thing is the model he built still exist...it is on display at London Hospital under glass
I really love that the Wikipedia page for Merrick describes him first and foremost as an artist.
Along with Merrick's skeleton.
@ Yes... however his skeleton is not on public display and can only be viewed by medical students by appointment
My goodness, Coby!! I’ve watched dozens of your reactions but this was the most inspired, genuine reaction by you or anyone. When John first started speaking, I stayed focused on you. The range of emotions…the leaning forward as if to help him with his words. Bless you. Lynch, Hopkins, Hurt, Hiller, Bancroft, Gielgud - what talent!!
This reaction shines with empathy.
Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2, was "Plumed Dwarf" in this.
This is an extremely moving film. I saw it when I was a kid when it was in theaters. My mom loved this movie, and made me watch it when it was on TV sometime in the early 80s. I didn't "get it" then, but I do now, and it's a very emotional experience. Great reaction, Coby.
A beautiful reaction. It is endearing to see displays of true empathy nowadays.
FYI: I read somewhere that the doctor’s wife wasn’t supposed to cry in the visitation scene. The actress, who I also heard didn’t see John until they actually had to meet, was so moved by the story and Hurt’s telling of it that she suddenly began to cry. Her unscripted crying and her apology for breaking character were kept in the film.
I think I read that!! Thanks for reminding me.
It’s such a stroke of luck-a minor miracle, really-that someone could watch a dense, surreal (and brilliant) art film like Eraserhead and still believe in a young filmmaker’s ability to direct a heart-wrenching Victorian drama. I know David Lynch had his share of detractors during production, though certainly not Mel Brooks. But when all was said and done, the results spoke for themselves, and we got this early display of Lynch’s sweet heart and tender side-something that would continue to surface throughout his career.
Mr. Lynch was an absolute savant at visual storytelling that lingers in the mind and heart long after the film has ended.
A lot of people complain about this not being historically accurate, which misses the point entirely. Great reaction. It’s an epically sad movie, one that stays with you and reminds you to be kind.
Coby is the most genuine reactor ever - i love how Genuine her emotions are
You should check out Kat Hates Horror. She's every bit as emotive and real as Coby. Sadly she picked a genre which doesn't give her much choice. She's almost exhausted the horror realm, so I'm hoping she starts another general film channel or something.
I grew up in Leicester U.K directly across the road from the workhouse where Mr Merrick lived for about 4 years - I could see it from my bedroom window. Back in the 70's into the early 80's when i was a kid It was known as " Elephant Man's House" locally and had been closed for decades. It was a bloody scary looking multi story, black brick victorian building - huge thick 20ft walls all around also made of black brick.I think it was a mental hospital for a while, before closing. It eventually was demolished in the early 80's and a school was built there - which i attended!
AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE
sooooooo HAPPY to see you react to this Coby! A forgotten classic and the first time I realized just how great of an actor Anthony Hopkins was.... R.I.P. mad genius David Lynch...
The stairwell scene with Jones, Hopkins and Gielgud. An excellent scene with excellent actors. Those guys put on a clinic in this movie.
The scene where John meets the doctors wife always brings me to tears. Even after all these many years.
Empathy is NOT a sin. Empathy, compassion, kindness, these are the BEST of us. They make us human. Movies like this, about human dignity, are essential and beautiful.
Thank you for your reaction, Coby. it's important to see that most of us are still connected to our hearts, to our souls. Thank you.
Wow Coby, this may be the best reaction I've ever seen. Such a beautiful reaction. I've never seen someone so emotionally invested in a film and laser focused on every moment and every detail. Even after many many viewings, I am always moved to tears. Every part of this film is a masterpiece from the amazing realism of the sets, the cinematography, the actors, the screenplay. My personal favorite by David Lynch. I love your channel and am such a happy subscriber! 💚
We need more people like you in the world, Coby.
Wendy Hiller gives a stunning performance in this. She reaches right into your heart.
I love Mrs. Mothershead.
Wendy Hiller was the movies' original Eliza Doolittle, in the 1938 version of George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION (later the basis for the musical MY FAIR LADY).
Great reaction, Coby! Critics fall over themselves for Raging Bull, which came out the same year and was also shot in black and white, but they for the most part ignore this movie, which I think is superior. I've seen this multiple times and it never fails to break me and leave me in an emotional mess. It's shot so beautifully and at it's core encourages us to be better people. So glad to see other people affected by it in the same way.
What a beautiful, touching and honest reaction. I was crying along with you, just as I was in 1980 when I saw it in the cinema. It's a most un-Lynchian movie yet he brought his unique artistry to it.
Thank you Coby ❤️
A little kindness and empathy goes a long way.
Thanks for this wonderful reaction. I've watched it a few times now, and still lose it, especially when you join in reciting the lines from Romeo and Juliet with John and Mrs. Kendall.
Mel Brooks realized David Lynch could give it an artistic touch to make it a great film.
Eraserhead ended up being shown at some theatres for midnight showings, and it got a cult following. Mel Brooks saw it, and was intrigued. He met DL and said to him "You're a madman, I love you!" and he asked him to direct E.M.
A really lovely heartfelt and insightful reaction to what is, in my opinion, one of the most beautifully crafted movies ever.
Coby's reading of Romeo and Juliet alongside John and Mrs Kendall is worth the price of admission, and it's obvious that scene was beautifully effective.
Lynch is of course a superb director, but the stand out here is Hurt. To be able to emote that much with your face covered by layers and layers of latex (the make up incidentally was cast from Merrick's actual death mask, and if you compare photos they did a very good job) . . . is astounding. He pulls of a nuanced and heartbreaking performance based on his eyes, his movements, and his voice and nothing else.
Hopkins too is excellent and sells everything with a gravity, realism and compassion which shows why he's so good.
I just want to shout out the very lovely Hannah Gordon who plays Anne Treves, Freddy's wife. She plays her "Going to tea" scene with utter perfection capturing everything from trepidation to empathy effortlessly. If you meet *anyone* who can get through that scene without crying, avoid them, they're almost certainly a sociopath.
Wonderful reaction again. Thank you!
I love that Lynch's early work is getting so much attention.
I really enjoyed your reaction to this MUST be known story..His real name is Joseph Merrick (John in the movie)..R.I.P. Joeseph 🙏❤️
Anthony Hopkins surprised face when john started speaking for himself he realised then how well educated he is
Yes, true story. He was even visited by Alexandra The Princess of Wales. She gave him a signed photograph and sent him a Christmas card every remaining year of his life.
Another person here recommended THE LION IN WINTER (1968), and I second this. If you want to see a very young Anthony Hopkins, don't miss it.
And out of this world performances by Katharine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole.
Thank you for covering this movie. I saw this when I was a teenager and it moved me greatly and opened my eyes to discrimination of the disabled. Truly a sad story, but one worth telling.
The Elephantman really existed.
Bravo! So refreshing to see a channel not shying away from lesser mainstream but worthy movies to react to. Respect!
There is nothing "lesser" about this film.
My wife and I watched this in a small theater in 1980. It is such a touching story.
Great performances from Anthony Hopkins and John hurt.
Even with the historical inaccuracies, this was a really good movie.
Maybe their are some inaccuracies, but I've seen his deformed skeleton. He was on display as a freak. He also moved in high society, including royalty.
@@brianboye8025even in death he was still on display.
@@IAMCAVE Dang.
There were very very few inaccuracies. They tried to stay as close as possible to what actually happened.
@ He was in a freak show. But he wasn't there as an unwilling slave. It was the only work he could get after leaving a workhouse at age 21 or 22. He was first exhibited--as his own idea--by a man named Sam Torr, and later by Tom Norman, as we see in the film. Merrick and these men really were partners, and he was never abused. He made an excellent living, in fact, well beyond the average of someone in his birth, who didn't have a disability. He was even able to set aside money in hopes of buying a home of his own. The only time he described himself as being on display like a piece of meat, was on the occasions where Treves forced him to disrobe for his colleagues.
His true hardship with the sideshow didn't start until after Treves got Norman's sideshow shut down, and Merrick had to go to work for a travelling circus in Europe, where he was robbed and abandoned by his road manager. He was still able to make his way back to England and the hospital, as we see in the third act.
Interesting fact, this was produced by Mel Brooks on behest of his wife Anne Bancroft. He left his name off all credits so as not to let people think it was a comedy. *It was pointed out to me, this is in the videos lead. I missed that. I'll not delete because responders added more.
I love it when people repeat what's said in the video as if it was an "interesting fact"...
Bravo !
And he chose David Lynch to direct after seeing Eraserhead.
Right, and because he was producing the film, Brooks also requested that Lynch cast his wife, Anne Bancroft in the film and Lynch was happy to do so.
@@garryiglesias4074 interesting fact; I didn't see that it was posted in the lead. Thanks for pointing out.
This is a wonderful but also emotional film, all involved deserve such praise, Mel Brooks for producing it, David Lynch's masterful direction, superb performances from all involved, particularly from John Hurt and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Coby, I just want to say I think that you're beautiful, not how you look (although that's obvious) but in your soul, your honest display of your emotions does you credit.
I remember at one time Michael Jackson tried to buy the Elephant Man skeleton, thank God they had the decency to tell him to go pound sand.
"Never, oh! never, nothing will die; The stream flows, The wind blows, The cloud fleets, The heart beats, Nothing will die"
Such a tender and loving reaction! You have a heart of gold! It's my favorite film and if everyone on this planet saw it, the world would be a better place.❤
Adapted from False Greatness by Isaac Watts, the following poem is how Joseph Carey Merrick finished his letters
Tis true my form is something odd, But blaming me is blaming God; Could I create myself anew I would not fail in pleasing you.
If I could reach from pole to pole Or grasp the ocean with a span, I would be measured by the soul;
The mind's the standard of the man.
I saw this as an 8 year old boy. It had a profound impact then, but I am just now realizing that it must have influenced my morality and compassion for the unfortunate (as well as beginning my appreciation of David Lynch). "I am not an animal, I am a human being!" Incredible film.
When director Jonathan Demme hired Anthony Hopkins to play Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, it was based on Hopkins portrayal of Dr. Treves in The Elephant Man.
When Hopkins heard this, he questioned Demme saying, “But Dr. Treves was a good man”
Demme replied, “so is Lecter, he is a good man too, just trapped in an insane mind.”
I was deeply moved as a child by the ABC TV adaptation of this. Philip Anglim portrayed Merrick without prosthetics, carrying himself throughout in a manner so as to suggest the deformities. I've never forgotten the opening, as he assumes the positioning as a voice over describes the deformities. Truly amazing!
Some of the most heart-wrenching scenes in cinema.
I cry everytime I watch this, no matter how often I´ve seen it... not sure how anyone can make it through without.
I always enjoy seeing people discover movies I've loved for years. And to be introduced to legendary actors like John Gielgud.
I knew our Cobes would have a meltdown watching this as it's such a sad film, but her reaction was totally heartfelt and it's great to see someone get so into a film like that in ways that rarely happen now.
Fun Fact: Joseph Merrick's Skeleton is on display in Royal London Hospital. Michael Jackson once offered to buy them for $1 Million dollars but was turned down.
Not on public display
When John Hurt was pitched the role he said don’t tell my agent, I’ll do this for free
Joesph Merrick would leave us ALL something TRULY memorable behind,,
Ti's true my form is something odd,,
But blaming me is blaming god,,
Could I create myself anew
I would not fail in pleasing you,,
If I could reach from pole to pole
Or grasp the ocean with a span
I would be measured by the soul:
The mind's the standard of the man.
"Joeseph Merrick"
(1889)
The ending after he lays in bed and the mother appears in the stars is one of the most magnificent moments in any film
Kenny Baker (R2-D2) plays the guy who let's Merrick free from the freak show
Since you've said you haven't seen it, 'The Graduate' is a must-see. I consider it in my top 5 movies. It's very much of It's time but also timeless. A true classic.
I saw this at the cinema on my own aged 15. Such a haunting but memorable experience.
I saw it in London 1980. He was only 27 when he died. 1880s. Great reaction.
Thank you for your heartfelt ❤reaction Coby! I had read up on Joseph Merrick (John) in the film, before seeing this in 1980. John Hurt was unrecognizable in the heavy makeup. He portrayed "Kane" in Alien, released in 1979. You were right about this being a 70's film. Alien was shot in 1978, The Elephant Man in 1979. For some bazar John Lynch films, view "Eraserhead" (1977), and 'Blue Velvet" (1986).
A genuine good man will always experience doubts whether they are a good man. When you think about this it makes sense
David Lynch is my favorite and easily the most influential art-house director from he states which is a genre that's mostly ignore by react channels in general, so you watching this is a treat!
8:35 The boy is played by Dexter Fletcher, who would later play Sgt. Martin in Band of Brothers.
This is actually one of my favorite Hopkins performances - so subtle.
SHADOWLANDS (1993) with Debra Winger. Not a well-known film or story but every bit as impactful.
Thank you so much for sharing the tears. It was wonderful to cry with you.
David Bowie played the title role on Broadway. The fact that they used to make movies based on plays is just one more reason why movies used to be better. And if I remember right, Bowie had no makeup, but contorted himself and left it to the imagination.
I alway cry watching this. Hopkins and John Hurt should have both won oscars for the Elephant Man.
David Lynch was a singular artist.
It's a sad watch when your thinking we all have bad days. This poor bloke went through the wringer and back again everyday. It wasn't even his fault and goes to show you can be the nicest person and try to to remain positive in life. But it won't last if everybody makes you feel you will never belong. Very sad film John hurt played a blinder in this this to me is the green mile for time.
Was a tough watch this film again and heart breaking to see cobi breakdown and upset that always gets me. But shows the kind hearted and caring women she is bless her. Watch a few fun films for a while space Angel of Oz.
Such a beautiful film.
Coby said Harry Dean Stanton was an old family friend of hers. That being the case, it would be unforgivable
for her not to do a reaction to Repo Man! It was his most iconic role! According to me at least.
There’s an adorable pic on her Instagram of her and Harry, when she was a little girl. Harry was always such an amazing actor.
A fine film from a great director, David Lynch RIP
Thanks, Coby, for a powerful and genuine reaction to this emotionally touching movie by David Lynch. Also, great to have John Hurt (heavily disguised), Anthony Hopkins, and John Gielgud acting together on screen!
Another great American auteur to investigate would be Robert Altman. Through proximity and childhood friends, I was fortunate to wander around the set of McCabe & Mrs Miller when I was a kid. Just one of many impressive Altman movies.
Being a Stanton, I've always loved Harry Dean Stanton... just watched him on ST Voyager last night. Amazing character actor!
Hard not to cry when seeing this movie 😭🤧
Anne Bancroft IS in "The graduate". She was one of the best dramatic actresses from the 60s. Her work in The miracle Worker (the story of Hellen Keller) is great. She was also Mel Brooks' wife.
John Hurt was a legendary British actor; with a number of important roles, especially this one, also in the distopian “1984” and mostly as Kane, the first victim from Alien (1979).
Olivander from Harry Potter. Max from Midnight Express.
Don't forget THE NAKED CIVIL SERVANT (1975) and I, CLAUDIUS (1976).
54:41 when you broke out crying when the head nurse announced that they found him made me start crying. what a genuine great reaction
Coby is such a good soul.
Tis true my form is something odd,
But blaming me is blaming God;
Could I create myself anew
I would not fail in pleasing you.
If I could reach from pole to pole
Or grasp the ocean with a span,
I would be measured by the soul;
The mind’s the standard of the man.
- Joseph Merrick
Thanks for reacting to this Coby.
The church models shown in the movie were really something Merrick made during his life. Only one is still in existence and is currently located at the Royal London Hospital Museum along with a replica of his bones and the actual headpiece he wore to cover his head and face.
The depiction of his de*th may have also been accurate. He died at the age of 27 after being found lying prone on his bed either from a fall or the deliberate choice to lay flat; something he knew would k*ll him but he still desired to do his entire life, as he often told Treves he wish he could " sleep like other people ''.
His cause of de*ath was attributed to asphyxia or dislocation of his neck; both due to the weight of his head. There was some debate if it was an accident or a deliberate act by Joseph but the fact that he removed his pillows first leads me to believe it was a choice he made.
Many documentaries on The Elephant Man are available for free on TH-cam. I recommend the one narrated by John Hurt entitled " The True Story Of Joseph Merrick ".
I was so moved by this movie as a kid I did a book report on him. Unfortunately, the teacher decided that all students had to dress up as the subjects of their book report that year. So I did so complete with a similar hat, head cloak, and cane. It was pretty embarrassing but I did it anyway and got an 'A' for my efforts.
To this day this film still affects me greatly. The scene with Merrick, Treves, and his wife in particular. When Joseph asks about his mother, '' Do you think she could love me as I am? I tried so hard to be good. '' which finally breaks Treves' wife bringing her to tears after trying to hold it together, still makes me cry every time.
I don't know why it took me this long to realize John Hurt gave one of the best acting performances I've ever seen. It's now easily in the top 3 for me along with Denzel Washington in Malcolm X and Cher in "Mask" (ironically another film you should react to based on a true story about a deformed person).
For a more modern-day version of Elephant Man please react to this award-winning film called '"Mask '' with Eric Stolz and Cher (not Jim Carrey) which like Elephant Man is based on a true story but about a deformed teen named Rocky Dennis and his drug-addicted mother brilliantly played by Cher.
Thanks again for your reaction. I hope Mia reacts to The Elephant Man as well along with Mask.
David Lynch is a TRUE ARTIST!!!!
The most un-David Lynch David Lynch film. He took it on after other directors dropped out of the project I believe.
It’s the only thing on TV that ever made my dad well up in tears.
Stunning reaction and very raw. Nice of you to share your vulnerable side with your viewers.
I always love Coby's reactions!! This movie is absolutely gorgeous and such a roller coaster of emotions!
"We must either love each other, or we must die."
OMG, my heart leapt when I saw you were doing a reaction to this film, Coby, hoping you would find it as poignant as I did when I first saw it so many years ago, and ... well, you didn't disappoint. This movie is about many things, but chief among them, I think, is the nature of Beauty, and yours was never as radiant as when you openly shared with us how genuinely moved you were.
Freddie Francis was a great cinematographer, he did great work for Hammer and a hell of a job on Scorsese’s Cape Fear.
At 58:35 , that's the famous "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber, an arrangement of the second movement of his string quartet op.11.
It was played at the funerals of Franklin D.Roosevelt and John F.Kennedy.
In "The Elephant Man" it was used for the first time as film music.
Six years later it was again used as a movie score in "Platoon".
This film had me absolutely sobbing the first time I saw it & still hits the heartstrings till this day... ( One of Lynch's finest & played superbly by John Hurt & Anthony Hopkins... ) ~ Their is a fabulous actor by the name of Adam Pearson, who is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities...
Although his condition is different than that of Joseph Merrick, neurofibromatosis can cause similar disfigurements...
Thank you for reacting to this movie, it is one of my favourite movies. It is such an incredible work of art, the way it brings such deep and profound emotions out of the viewer. It really showcases the power of the medium, and I only wish everyone could see it.
The scenes of people working in this movie are actual footage from the old workhouse in Leicester where Joseph Merrick was born.
When you know how it’s going to end because you’ve seen it a dozen times or more you feel dread every time she expresses her fear that it won’t end well.
Quite. 😔
Yet she herself was able to advance an argument that, in a sense, it did end well.
Impressive indeed. 😌
An additional treat for fans of John Merrick was the stage play which used a very unique device. The elephant man represented as he imagined himself; a man most beautiful. For the 1982 TV production he was played by Phillip Anglim, with only slides behind him to show what others saw.
Thank you for your splendidly sensitive reaction to this film. And definitely check out Anne Bancroft in "The Graduate," one of the most significant films of the late '60s and a key film for the modern era of filmmaking. It's quite entertaining and poignant as well.
A beautiful story I've loved since 6th grade which still gets me emotional every time. I cried with you Coby. 😢😊
The little boy from the Freak Show is Dexter Fletcher (Soap in Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels, plus the director of Bohemian Rhapsody)
Dexter Fletcher also played Babyface in the original movie version of BUGSY MALONE (1976), and Gavroche in a TV movie version of LES MISERABLES (1978).
Yes, he was real. His skeleton is still preserved at the Royal London Hospital, along with the model of the Cathedral he created. The story in the film is not completely true though. His mother died when he was eleven years old. He exhibited himself after being rejected by his father (who remarried) and sent to the Workhouse. Frederick Treves found him in London and asked him to appear at a Lecture he gave. Merrick then went to tour in Europe with a Circus when the old place in Whitechapel was closed down by the Police. He was robbed by his manager (unknown) of all his savings from the money he earned and abandoned in Brussels but did make his way back to London and was given rooms at the London Hospital. It is believed that his condition was caused by Proteus Syndrome, though it can never be proved as there is no DNA from his skeleton (it was bleached several times before being preserved). The soft tissue from his corpse was buried at the City of London Cemetery. He did still have family, his body was officially identified by his Uncle. His real name was Joseph Carey Merrick, not John. Still a tragic story, but the film though quite dramatised, is a brilliant film and very emotional. The acting was amazing.
Saw this in High School in theater, as part of a field trip.
I saw this film when HBO aired it fall 1980, I was 12. A life changing experience beyond just a film. When it ended and I was so hooked on Lynch! The humane master piece David created will always be with me! The cast and the performances played beautifully in Lynch's vision was moving! Your reaction and conclusions are so spot on. Thank you for sharing.😊 BTW Your Shakespeare is impeccable.👌 Lastly, RIP Mr Lynch, you truly helped shape me into who I am today.
I saw this on Broadway with Mark Hamill playing John Merrick . The actors who portrayed Merrick onstage did so in their underwear which was an interesting way to portray John’s deformities. David Bowie played Merrick before Hamill.
Its a true story - some poor man really did go thru this
Joseph Merrick.
He made good money from freak shows and effectively had a partnership.
There are no faithful recreations of people lives on films, they are all exaggerated for dramatic effect.