Running head: THE ELEPHANT MAN 1
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The Elephant Man: Movie Review
John Smith
Sociology 201-001
Liberty University
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Abstract
THE ELEPHANT MAN 2
The Elephant Man is a very sober and realistic movie depiction of the life of an individual born
with severe body deformity. The portrayal is based on the true story of John Merrick, who was
born with a disfiguring congenital disease in England in the 19th Century. The story line begins
with his oppressive experiences in a traveling circus ‘freak’ show, where he is ruthlessly paraded
under the moniker of the Elephant Man. At one of these outings, he catches the interest of
compassionate medical surgeon Dr. Frederick Treves, who orchestrates his temporary release
from the traveling circus, and arranges for him to live in the hospital where he works. The
change of venues exposes him to proper care, tutoring, and social skill acquisition.
Unfortunately, the core of his life experiences continues to be oppressive due the stigma brought
about by his physical deformity. From beginning to end, the movie extols the character of Mr.
Merrick, and details his insurmountable plight to gain acceptance from a society not given to
tolerating people with disabilities.
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what the paper is about. It can be about 150 to 250 words long. It is a blocked
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The Elephant Man: Movie Review
THE ELEPHANT MAN 3
The Story
The Elephant Man is the true story of John Merrick, an Englishman who lived during the
reign of Queen Victoria. He was born with severe physical deformities which included multiple
tumors protruding from his head and back, a cleft palate, and a non-functioning right arm. He
walked with a limp and his speech was slurred.
At the opening of the movie Dr. Frederick Treves, a medical surgeon, discovers Merrick
as an exhibit in a traveling freak show. At the freak show, he was referred to as the “Elephant
Man.” Merrick handler is a Mr. Bytes, who views Merrick not as a person, rather, as property.
After Merrick is severely beaten by Mr. Bytes, Treves takes Merrick to the hospital to
recuperate. It is there that Treves learns that Merrick is not the imbecile that he imagined, rather,
an intelligent and creative man, able to speak, read and formulate ideas. During his stay at the
hospital, Merrick’s develops a relationship with Treves and the hospital staff and goes on to
enrich his quality of life by learning social etiquette; acquiring a taste for the fine arts; interacting
with socialites; and learning skills in creating miniature figures.
The Sociological Dynamic
Unfortunately, the stigma of the physical deformity—because he constantly ‘wears it’ and
it is easily observable by all, does not permit Merrick to enjoy his new found life. Throughout
the whole movie, Merrick constantly must fight for his dignity with those who still choose to
view him as a freak. This societal dynamic is found in all geographical localities Merrick finds
himself in, even at the hospital where he is cared for the most—the night-time security guard
takes advantage of Merrick, and creates his own ‘freak-show viewing’ by bringing in paying
customers, to the hospital, to gaze at the ‘freak.’ Even his friend Treves begins to question
THE ELEPHANT MAN 4
whether his supposed act of humanity has been just as exploitative as Merrick’s former
caretaker's at the freak show. In the end, after a brief return from the freak show, he decides to
take his own life, putting an end to a life which society would not accord the dignity and respect
afforded all human beings.
Personal Impact
This movie was very real to me. In a previous job, I worked with people with disabilities
and got to observe the reactions from people in the community, while not as harsh as what
Merrick endured, but the same attitude, looks and stares. His life was a tragic example of how
society treats those with disabilities, especially those with physical disfigurements. John Merrick
was treated like an animal, with no purpose, dignity, or respect. People saw him for his disability
and not for who he was. Although John was intelligent and had passions just like those without
disabilities, the physical disability triumphed over his capabilities and acceptance.
Many do not understand the reality of having a disability and the need to feel loved,
wanted, and accepted. People with disabilities can do many things they want if they set their
mind to it and if they are given the opportunity to try. With specific accommodations, people
with disabilities are able to accomplish many things, in the context of their private lives and the
work setting. The Elephant Man gave me a different perspective on people with disabilities, in
that God created them for a purpose and they are no less of a person than me because of their
disability. I pray that I will be able to be more sensitive to this issue, now, and in the future. I
also hope to minister to them in a way that is helpful, meaningful, and non-patronizing—
pointing them to the great hope that is found in Jesus Christ, regardless of disability or not.
