The Elephant Man

Joseph Merrick was born with severe deformities in his body, which made him earn the nickname "The elephant man". After the death of his mother at an early age, he ended up in a sideshow attraction as a "freak", where he was discovered by Dr. Fredrick Treves (later knighted) as a 'priceless specimen' of human deformities.

Initially Dr. Treves made it a good opportunity for himself to have access to this anatomical marvel, and let Merrick stay in the isolated patient's room in the London hospital. However, gradually as Merrick started warming up towards Treves and the nurses, the human within started to emerge.

Merrick's life was far from 'normal'. Often people were freaked out at his sight, and not many would feel comfortable in his presence. He was often the subject of ridicule, and several opportunists made it a way of earning cash by taking people to see the 'freak'.

Inspite of all odds, Merrick went on to make a lot of friends at high places including the then Queen of England, Queen Victoria.

The film brings to life this unique character from history. Even though it was shot in 1980, the film is in black and white emphasising the rugged and colourless England in the late 1800's. John Hurt plays the main role (of course who the actor behind the heavy make-up is anyone's guess) while a young Anthony Hopkins plays the part of Dr. Treves, which I thought wasn't a remarkable performance (maybe I shouldn't compare with his later works).

But a good one to watch! Makes you wonder about the nature of humans.