The Elephant Man is an achingly poignant and dramatically absorbing drama loosely based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a Victorian-era Englishman with severe physical deformities.

David Lynch directs in his first big-budget effort, and his trademark surrealism, although somewhat muted here, adds a dream-like quality that is perfectly in keeping with the material.

Highly acclaimed upon release, The Elephant Man garnered an impressive 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film boasts lush black and white photography, innovative sound techniques, striking production design, and a superb supporting cast.

However, it is the John Hurt’s lead performance as Merrick and Christopher Tucker’s ground-breaking special-effects make-up that is most memorable. Taken together, they transform what could have easily been a mawkish spectacle into a towering cinematic achievement.