The Elephant Man (12A)

In Victorian London, Dr. Frederic Treves discovers John Merrick 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 supposed civilised upper class a lesson about dignity. Merrick becomes the toast of London, but concerns grow that his place in society is simply a more grandiose version of the freakshow. A profound and compassionate telling of the true tale with incredible performances. Lynch’s grimy, dreamlike version of Industrial Age London is an interesting follow-up to Eraserhead. This was his first major film, with producer Mel Brooks taking a chance on this young, idiosyncratic filmmaker.