The Elephant Man

Lynch’s journey into the underbelly of Victorian London is a hugely accomplished and award-winning drama.

  • Director

    David Lynch

  • With

    John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, Freddie Jones

  • USA 1980. 123min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    PG

John Merrick is rescued from freak-show indignities by a sympathetic doctor, only to become the focus of further curiosity as the toast of Victorian high society. A more conventional drama than Lynch’s debut, albeit punctuated by odd surreal moments, The Elephant Man is a visually striking portrait of Dickensian London, anchored by John Hurt’s tender, delicate and ultimately powerful performance.

The screening on Saturday 31 January 12:05 NFT3 will be presented with Descriptive Subtitles.

See our 25 and Under: An Introduction to David Lynch event on Tuesday 6 January.

The screening of The Elephant Man on Tuesday 27 January will include a Q&A with actor Dexter Fletcher.

Also available on BFI Player