The Elephant Man
DAVID LYNCH: ABSURD ENCOUNTERS, PART 3
“People are frightened by what they don't understand.”
ERASERHEAD’s success on the Midnight Movie circuit didn’t suddently thrust David Lynch onto Hollywood’s A-list but it did turn some heads. Some of those who were impressed by his debut feature included producer Stuart Cornfeld (THE FLY) and legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks (BLAZING SADDLES), who recruited Lynch to direct a biopic of a disfigured man in Victorian England titled THE ELEPHANT MAN.
In this episode, we’ll reveal the full story behind Lynch’s sophomore film; how (and why) he was pursued to direct a film that, on the surface, seems like a far cry from his surreal debut; and how an unknown American director traveled to England, where he’d direct some of Britain’s most well-respected actors in a film that would ultimately become his breakthrough, earning the director awards and accolades, and altering the course of his career.
Getting there wasn’t easy. In this, the third part of our series exploring the career of David Lymch, we’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about how David Lynch’s THE ELEPHANT MAN came to be.
Bonus content available for Cinema Shock suppporters: An extended episode with over 30 minutes of additional content which includes bonus segments and further insights into THE ELEPHANT MAN and David Lynch is available exclusively to members of CinemaShock+.
SYNOPSIS:
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.
Up Next: David Lynch: Episode 4: DUNE.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS:
Andy Lancaster | Benjamin Yates | curtcake5k | Jvance325 | MagicBloat | Nate Izod | Elton Novara
CAST & CREW
Directed by: David Lynch
Written by: Christopher De Vore | Eric Bergren | David Lynch
Based on: The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences by Frederick Treves & The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity by Ashley Montagu
Produced by: Jonathan Sanger
Cast: Anthony Hopkins | John Hurt | Anne Bancroft | Freddie Jones | John Gielgud | Wendy Hiller
Cinematography: Freddie Francis
Edited by: Anne V. Coates
Music by: John Morris
Release Date: October 10, 1980
Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy.
This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop & Todd A. Davis.
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