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Why you should see
The Elephant ManDirector David Lynch reins in his trademark weirdness to deliver a tender tale of renowned Victorian curiosity, the Elephant Man. John Hurt stars as the hideously deformed Merrick alongside Anthony Hopkins as the surgeon who removes him from a freak show, nursing him back to physical and psychological health after years of abuse at the hands of his keeper. Victorian London is displayed in atmospheric black and white, as Merrick is led into the upper circles of society by Hopkins's Dr Treves and finds himself once again a fascinating oddity - but this time as a sensitive, intelligent man despite his shocking appearance. It's a fascinating story, beautifully told, with Lynch drawing out its subtleties and the morals that continue to resonate now.
Holly Grigg-Spall
