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The Elephant Man (1980)

The Elephant Man (1980)

Drama History

A true story of courage and human dignity.

Release Date: 1980, October 9
Directors: David Lynch
Countries: United States of America
Production: Brooksfilms
Cast: John Hurt, David Ryall, Kenny Baker, Gilda Cohen, Alfie Curtis, Harry Fielder, Marcus Powell, Fred Wood, Freddie Jones, Anthony Hopkins, William Morgan Sheppard, Norman Gay

Overview:

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

Keywords:

biography based on true story friendship period drama disfigurement nurse escape 19th century london, england tragedy discrimination anxiety black and white hospital social injustice emotion curiosity humanity disability freak show exploitation physical disability deformed human monster physical abuse abuse emotional vulnerability physical deformity shame sideshow dying young birth defect circus freak freak dignity social isolation social integration introspection psychological healing 1880s