How do we ensure our children grow up to become kind people in the world of today when technology permits them to see so much in the secrecy of their rooms?
Could we ever really ensure we were raising them right?
How do we ensure our children grow up to become kind people in the world of today when technology permits them to see so much in the secrecy of their rooms?
Could we ever really ensure we were raising them right?
The Elephant Man is, of course, a confronting examination of humanity’s cold tendency to ostracise those who are different, even if those differences are only skin-deep. More than this, though, what broke my heart about the story is how deeply one man’s gentle soul could hold true to his dignity in life’s simplest treasures - speaking without fear, calling someone ‘friend,’ and lying down to sleep - despite being beaten into a gross spectacle for cruel eyes.
“Why, Mr Merrick, you’re not an elephant man at all.”
“Oh no?”
“Oh no… no… you’re a Romeo.”
About the excellent novel this film is based on, Lou Reed said, “If you read this, be careful…” I agree with his sentiment.
If you watch this, be careful.
If an eight-foot-tall man draped in shadow with talon-like hands bids you enter his candle-lit study and presses you to sign a contract written in what looks like the language of Hell itself, it might be a sign that you’re in the wrong profession.
Is this movie over-the-top? Yes. Is that part of the charm of any good gothic tale? Also yes.
Should you have a penchant for the theatrical and the macabre, you’ll appreciate this twist on an old classic.