This film was proposed by our member Kirsty, who writes: 'It’s one of two Lynch films I’ve not seen and I only want to see them in the cinema!'

John Merrick (John Hurt) is The Elephant Man, forced into becoming a circus sideshow freak and spurned by society due to the disfiguring disabilities he was born with. Rescued by a well-meaning surgeon (Anthony Hopkins), he escapes a life of prejudice and cruelty as he tries to fit into a world ruled by Victorian sensibilities. With news of Merrick quickly spreading, he becomes a celebrated curiosity amongst London’s upper class, including with the famed actress Mrs. Kendal (Anne Bancroft). Despite being treated somewhat more humanely, the question becomes whether Treves’ actions are in fact just a further form of exploitation of Merrick.

Beautifully shot in black and white by the incomparable Freddie Francis (Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Cape Fear) and with BAFTA-winning production design by Stuart Craig (The English Patient, Harry Potter), The Elephant Man is an unforgettable story of human dignity and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity, that proved to be David Lynch’s first commercial and critical success.

Please note, the first screening on Tuesday May 21 is a general public screening, while our Free Members' Screening is scheduled for the following week, on Tuesday May 28.

Cast:
Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud