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Films |
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'The Elephant Man' directed by David Lynch (1980) |
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This brilliant film is probably how most people are introduced to the story of Joseph Merrick - as it was for me.The film stars Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Treves and John Hurt as Joseph (called John in this version). It was filmed in black and white, which I think misleads some people to think it's older than it actually is, when in fact the use of black and white is to add to the feel of the period, and for reasons regarding the makeup.
The film covers the last four years of Joseph's life, while he was living at the London Hospoital. As with most artistic adaptations of the story, the film isn't entirely historically accurate. The scene in which Joseph is kidnapped is the most notable example of this. Fortunately, the incident never really occured. The film contains typical misconceptions - Josephs name as John, his mother abandoned him, and the side show managers were cruel. These are not true, but as the film is based on the Ashley Mantagu book (see the books section), it's understandable that these common errors would be perpetuated.
However, don't misunderstand that by my saying there are errors, the film isn't very good. This film is absolutely excellent, and I'm unable to watch it without crying. John Hurt portrays Joseph perfectly - exactly as I imagine he was in life. Though, to be fair, Josephs speech in real life was not quite so clear as it is in the film - but that would have made for some difficulty for the movie-goers I imagine! The film was nominated for 8 academy awards, and was the catalyst for the inclusion of an award in makeup.
I highly recommend the DVD - it features an excellent 'making of' documentary, as well as some other extras. VHS is also available. |
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Decent website about the film with some helpful information |
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Another website - not as helpful, but the screenplay is easier to read than on the above site. |
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| movie review |
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movie review |
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movie reviews |
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movie review (notable mostly for the pictures) |
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DVD review |
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'From Hell' Directed by the Hughes Brothers (2001) |
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I don't even know where to begin with this film. The story revolves around Johnny Depp as an inspector trying to solve the 'Jack the Ripper' case in 19th century Whitechapel, and Heather Graham as Mary Kelly one of the Rippers intended victims. Joseph has only a small cameo role here, and appears only in two scenes. His first appearance is as merely a passing face during one of the inspectors 'visions' - he has psychic visions while under the influence of absinthe or opium. The second scene is completely historically inaccurate, and depicts Joseph as being put on display before a group of upper class Londoners for the purposes of raising funds for his stay in the London Hospital. He has only one line - correcting the presenter who calls him 'Joseph' to say that his name is 'John' (another error). Setting aside the fact that the London Hospital would never have done such a thing to Joseph, the film takes place in 1888, at which point Joseph would have already been living in the hospital for two years. There were plenty of funds available, largely donations sent in by mail. (I'll try not to go into too much detail here - please read Joseph's bio for furthur information). Needless to say, such a scene would not only have never occured, it would also have been unnecessary. There's also a rather unamusing segment on the DVD extras where it is jokingly speculated that Joseph could have been Jack the Ripper. The idea is completely absurd, and while I'm sure this bit was meant to be funny, I found it completely disrespectful. Obviously, for physical reasons, Joseph could not have been the murderer, not to mention the fact he was about the kindest soul you could ever meet. Any other suspect discussed is given a much different, documentary style treatment. I don't know why they chose to make their segment on Joseph into a joke, but I for one was not laughing.
As far as positive comments, I can only say that the film very vividly depicts life in 19th century Whitechapel, and it is an interesting, if very dark, peek into what life was like in the area at that time. Also, the makeup is absolutely excellent. Even if the events surrounding Joseph may not have been true to life, his appearance is very well done. |
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short article regarding the film makeup |
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'most unexpected cameo' award goes to... |
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Resources and Interpretations |
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