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A terrifying tale on many levels

By Henrik Schunk on January 17, 2012

Superb movie featuring an astounding performance by John Hurt. I have always been interested in this particular case, that is the Elephant Man and the movie does justice to the enigma and the mythos. The movie is entertaining without being too hollywoodesque and not too melodramatic. The decision to make this movie in Black&White is an interesting one, yet I did not fully understand the particular intention behind it, other than fr aesthetic value that is. A few odd bits here and there (John Hurt’s hand is not the hand of a 21 year old, Anne Bancroft’s attire and make-up looks straight from the 80ies), but is suppose the movie was kinda low budget. Still, highly recommended with love for little details (the circus bizarre OST and a nice reference to Tod Browning’s Freaks from 1932). Very enjoyable film that tackles the timeless topic of human cruelty and who are the true beasts (freaks) in our society. O