The Elephant Man

England in the late 19th century. The "Elephant Man," John Merrick, has suffered from serious physical deformities since childhood, particularly in his head and upper body. He is exhibited at fairs as a rare curiosity by a sadistic and exploitative showman and ogled by the sensationalist public. However, his case comes to the attention of surgeon Frederick Treves, who takes him to London to examine him and provide him with a humane home in the hospital. After initial skepticism, the staff there finally agree when it becomes clear that the "Elephant Man" has a sensitive and intelligent character. Despite the doctor's efforts to introduce John Merrick to society, he is not safe from human cruelty.

The film is adapted from the true story of Joseph Merrick, who gained sad notoriety in the Victorian era as the "Elephant Man" and attracted the attention of surgeon Frederick Treves, who offered him assistance and published a report on Merrick in the British Medical Journal. David Lynch transformed this true incident with great sensitivity into a masterful cinematic plea for humanity and dignity. The Elephant Man became a huge commercial success and was nominated for eight Oscars and five Golden Globes in 1981. Along with The Straight Story, the film is one of the director's most successful and popular works, largely due to the performances of lead actors John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins.

Extras include an interview with still photographer Frank Connor, a British Film Institute Q&A with producer Jonathan Sanger, interviews with David Lynch and John Hurt, "The Air is on Fire" - an interview with David Lynch at the Cartier Foundation, a segment on Joseph Merrick - The Real Elephant Man, Mike Figgis interviews David Lynch, a documentary titled The Terrible Elephant Man Revealed, and a picture gallery.