The Elephant Man is a 1980 American drama film based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London. The film was directed by David Lynch and stars John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon, and Freddie Jones. Lynch adapted the screenplay draft by Christopher De Vore and Eric Bergren. Although Mel Brooks agreed to produce the film through his production company Brooksfilms, it was turned down by a number of studios before it was finally greenlit by Paramount Pictures.Rodley and Lynch, pp. 88–107
Seen perhaps as the most conventional of Lynch's otherwise surrealist films,Le Blanc and Odell, pp. 29–30 The Elephant Man was a commercial success, grossing over $26 million in the United States alone. The film was also a critical success, garnering universal acclaim and receiving multiple award nominations. Both Lynch and Hurt received nominations at the Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards. The film went on to win the Best Film award at the latter, as well as Best Foreign Film at the César Awards.
The film's technical production was similarly lauded. John Morris' score was also nominated for several awards, including receiving a nod at the 24th Grammy Awards, but failed to win each time. The film's cinematography, by English cinematographer Freddie Francis, was likewise nominated for several awards, receiving one from the British Society of Cinematographers. In addition, the film's editing, costume design, art direction and screenplay received nominations at the Academy Award and BAFTA ceremonies.
Awards and nominations
AwardYear Category Recipient Result Ref(s) Academy Awards 1981 Best Picture Jonathan Sanger Best Director David Lynch Best Actor John Hurt Best Adapted Screenplay David Lynch, Christopher De Vore and Eric Bergren Best Art Direction Stuart Craig, Robert Cartwright & Hugh Scaife Best Costume Design Patricia Norris Best Film Editing Anne V. Coates Best Original Score John Morris Belgian Film Critics Association 1982 Grand Prix David Lynch British Academy Film Awards 1981 Best Film Jonathon Sanger Best Actor John Hurt Best Production Design Stuart Craig Best Direction David Lynch Best Screenplay David Lynch, Christopher De Vore and Eric Bergren Best Cinematography Freddie Francis Best Editing Anne V. Coates British Society of Cinematographers Awards 1980 Best Cinematography Freddie Francis César Awards 1982 Best Foreign Film David Lynch Site does not support direct linking to search results. Search "David Lynch" for results. Directors Guild of America Awards 1981 Outstanding Directing David Lynch Golden Globe Awards 1981 Best Director David Lynch Best Motion Picture – Drama Jonathon Sanger Best Actor – Drama John Hurt Best Screenplay Eric Bergren Grammy Awards 1982 Best Soundtrack Album John Morris
See also
List of accolades received by David Lynch
Footnotes
References
External links