The Elephant Man

The Cinematheque continues its catnip for David Lynch fans with this kickoff to its summer programming. 1980’s The Elephant Man was more mainstream only in the context of Lynch’s previous films at the time (it followed 1977’s sublimely macabre Eraserhead). The film stars John Hurt as Joseph Merrick, “the elephant man,” whose extreme facial and physical deformities turned him into a sideshow freak in 19th century London. Physicians and upper class figures discover he is neither dumb nor mute, and attempt to better his circumstances, but it’s not so easy. The film also stars Anthony Hopkins, John Gielgud and Anne Bancroft, and is shot in moody black and white by Freddie Francis. This is a new 4K restoration of the original film. Later this summer, Cinematheque will feature a program of Lynch’s short films (July 9) and Mullholland Drive (July 23). See the full summer film schedule at cinema.wisc.edu.

media release: USA | 1980 | DCP | 125 min.

Director: David Lynch

Cast: John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft

Producer Mel Brooks provided the opportunity for Lynch to direct a studio feature, a bigger budget follow-up to the independently-made Eraserhead that also earned Lynch his first two Oscar nominations. The Elephant Man details the final months in the life of the deformed Londoner John Merrick (played by an unrecognizable Hurt wearing prosthetics created by Christopher Tucker), whose career as a sideshow freak ends when he meets the compassionate Dr. Frederick Treves (Hopkins). Lynch’s dreamlike imagery is aided immeasurably by the gorgeous black and white widescreen cinematography of Freddie Francis.

What is summer without summer movies? At the Cinematheque between June 25 and August 1, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening will come alive with free cinematic excitement. Join us for salutes to recently departed film legends David Lynch and Gene Hackman, discover the passionate cinephilia of Claude Lelouch, or sample some 70s Hong Kong martial arts mayhem. There’s more: W.C. Fields, punk rockers & zombies, a 60s Japanese masterwork, and a dazzling Euro bank heist thriller. All programs begin at 7 p.m. in the regular Cinematheque venue, 4070 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue. 

Admission free for all screenings, seating limited. No admission 15 minutes after scheduled start times. Please visit our website for a complete listing of programs and descriptions.