The British Joseph Merrick is known as the Elephant Man of the 19th century.
According to The Guardian, the Elephant Man in the movie looks almost identical to the real Joseph Merrick (pictured). All Over Press
Joseph Merrick (1862–1890) was known in Victorian England for his deformities As an elephant manabout which the Kino classic film is about.
David Lynch has taken plenty of liberties in his 1980 direction. British publication The Guardian has in his time listed both true and false statements and scenes.
The latter category includes, among others, the character of Bytes, who is spoken of as the owner of Elephant Man. He is said to be based To Tom Norman. In the film, Bytes treats the Elephant Man mercilessly like an exhibit – or a dog. Bytes is portrayed as a violent sadist.
In the movie, the Elephant Man is played by John Hurt, who won the award for the role. Over
Historians have pointed out that the mistreatment, however, could only have been part of a performance in which Merrick pretended to be half human and half African elephant. Norman, on the other hand, played his captor. Both men had their roles.
According to the Guardian, Merrick actually decided to perform for people himself and was treated well. He and Norman also halved the winnings. In the movie, the Elephant Man has no say in his performances, which is also a bummer.
The doctor who helps the elephant man is played by Anthony Hopkins. Over
Also, Norman didn’t kidnap Merrick from the hospital and he wasn’t unwillingly transported to Belgium. Nor was Merrick put in a cage with aggressive baboons.
Actually, Merrick traveled to Belgium voluntarily when public opinion in Great Britain changed and the so-called freak circuses began to be opposed. His new business partner didn’t lock him in a cage, but apparently robbed him anyway.
The visit of the actress Madge Kendal, who actually existed in the film, starts the Elephant Man’s popularity in London social circles. Over
We will see you in the title part of the evening’s film John Hurt. Anthony Hopkins plays Frederick Treves, a doctor who wants to help.
The elephant man today on Theme & Fem at 21:05. See all TV programs and broadcast times in Telku’s TV guide.