Just rewatched this dyed-in-the-wool classic last night.
Such a remarkably tender film. The titular character, John Merrick (John Hurt) is such a fabulous symbol in Lynch's hands. he represents 'The Other' - and is subjected to abuses at the hands of the general public.
When a kindly doctor (played by a young and dashig Anthony Hopkins) rescues Merrick from the travelling circus, his life is changed forever.
