The Elephant Man is a 1980 British-American historical drama film about Joseph Merrick (whom the script calls John Merrick), a severely deformed man in late 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. It was produced by Jonathan Sanger and Mel Brooks, the latter of whom was intentionally left uncredited to avert confusion from audiences who possibly would have expected a comedy.
"The screenplay was adapted by Lynch, Christopher De Vore, and Eric Bergren from Frederick Treves's The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences (1923) and Ashley Montagu's The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity (1971). It was shot in black-and-white and featured make-up work by Christopher Tucker.
"The musical score of The Elephant Man was composed and conducted by John Morris, and it was performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1980, the company 20th Century Fox Records published this film's original musical score as both an LP album and as a Cassette in the United States. Its front cover artwork Its front cover artwork features a masked John Merrick against a backdrop of smoke, as seen on the advance theatrical poster for the film. In 1994, the first compact disc (CD) issue of the film score was made by the company Milan
"In 1994, the first compact disc (CD) issue of the film score was made by the company Milan.
"The Elephant Man was nominated for eight Academy Awards, tying Raging Bull at the 53rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (John Hurt), Art Direction-Set Decoration (Stuart Craig, Robert Cartwright, Hugh Scaife), Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Music: Original Score, and Writing: Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. However, the film did not win any.
"A 4K restoration (created from the original camera negative and supervised by David Lynch) was carried out for the film's 40th anniversary and was released in a director-approved special edition Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection in the US on September 29, 2020. The restoration was also released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (including a remastered Blu-ray) in the UK in April 2020."
John Morris seemed, (to me), to really understand the characters, time, places and unexplored emotional darkness as well as the undiscovered 'light' in all the horrors depicted in this marvelous film. Easily one of the best film scores of the early 80's. His music here didn't sound like any of his prior or subsequent film scores. It was unique, for a unique film. Marvelous score. I only wish the academy had nominated the great cinematographer Freddie Francis for this film as the Black & White compositions were extraordinary. And there was no 'Makeup' category until (I think), a year or so later, which was unfortunate for this film's craftspeople.
I viewed the film on The Criterion Channel perhaps last Autumn or so as it was presented as a special 'Criterion Edition' with that 4-K restoration and tons of extras as well. That was a couple of evenings well spent.
John Morris seemed, (to me), to really understand the characters, time, places and unexplored emotional darkness as well as the undiscovered 'light' in all the horrors depicted in this marvelous film.
Montana Dave said it more eloquently than I could have written. It has been years since I viewed this film, but now I want to view it again. The music was perfect in this film.
John Morris seemed, (to me), to really understand the characters, time, places and unexplored emotional darkness as well as the undiscovered 'light' in all the horrors depicted in this marvelous film. Easily one of the best film scores of the early 80's. His music here didn't sound like any of his prior or subsequent film scores. It was unique, for a unique film. Marvelous score. I only wish the academy had nominated the great cinematographer Freddie Francis for this film as the Black & White compositions were extraordinary. And there was no 'Makeup' category until (I think), a year or so later, which was unfortunate for this film's craftspeople.
I viewed the film on The Criterion Channel perhaps last Autumn or so as it was presented as a special 'Criterion Edition' with that 4-K restoration and tons of extras as well. That was a couple of evenings well spent.
Great film and score. Didn't Planet of the Apes get a special "Make-Up" Academy Award, why couldn't Elephant Man?
Great film and score. Didn't Planet of the Apes get a special "Make-Up" Academy Award, why couldn't Elephant Man?
That’s precisely what led to the creation of the makeup category. The lack of recognition from the Academy for this film’s makeup caused a bit of a fuss. As a result, makeup artists have been getting their due since.
ELEPHANT MAN .... my favorite example of the Pacific Arts, fold-out cover, LP sounding ions better than the Milan CD. What a disappointment when I found the CD and thought I was upgrading...
John Morris was such an underrated composer. His music was beautiful, even for some of the comedy films he scored. He is my favorite film composer, and I wish more of his unreleased scores would be released.
John Morris was such an underrated composer. His music was beautiful, even for some of the comedy films he scored. He is my favorite film composer, and I wish more of his unreleased scores would be released.
Me, too. First and foremost, I wish we could get the full orchestral "Young Frankenstein" without dialogue. I love that old album, but the music is what I want to hear.
Was it John Morris that scored CLUE? I don't have the CD handy.
And yes, THE ELEPHANT MAN is both a wonderful score and a very moving film. I tear up every time I watch it, especially during the scene where Merrick is having tea with the doctor and his lovely wife....
One of the saddest films made, and oddly, at points, quite happy too. That ending is a real soul crusher, and at the same time, so gorgeous. The image of his mother, and the wind blowing the drapes, powerful stuff.
I came across a second hand copy of this magnificent score. It is a bit pricey actually but was asking myself if it was worthy to get or to wait for a reissue or expanded release.
I think John Morris' scores don't sell that well (Yellowbeard anyone?) so maybe there is no hurry on reworking his music (which is a pity as his work is fantastic).
One of the saddest films made, and oddly, at points, quite happy too. That ending is a real soul crusher, and at the same time, so gorgeous. The image of his mother, and the wind blowing the drapes, powerful stuff.
Out of all the films I have promoted, there have only been two that stunned the press screening & the real paying audience into total silence at the end. Plus, you can add more than the odd tear being wiped away by many.
First was The Elephant Man, sat there & was honestly totally blow away by how powerful & emotional it was, I screened that at least 4 times (2 original release & 2 for the Academy Awards) & then saw it twice with audiences & it never failed to stun people.
The other was Schindler’s List. Although I only ever did 2 screening of that.
Both films have such great scores & leave a massive impact on the audience.
It is a great CD the Milan version, if you can get hold of a copy. Regards Andy b
Not just a great score but a unique one and given Morris's track record--inventive but comedic stuff--completely out of left field. Same year as another revelation of a score from a film music newcomer--Altered States by John Corigliano.
ELEPHANT MAN .... my favorite example of the Pacific Arts, fold-out cover, LP sounding ions better than the Milan CD. What a disappointment when I found the CD and thought I was upgrading...
Completely agree there - a new (expanded?) edition is long overdue.
Again...a shame that one of the greatest score of the seventies and maybe even the best comedy scores ever written YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN still hasnt got a proper release without dialogue.A mystery why this hasnt happened yet.
Again...a shame that one of the greatest score of the seventies and maybe even the best comedy scores ever written YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN still hasnt got a proper release without dialogue.A mystery why this hasnt happened yet.
Not to mention the comedy musical masterpiece SILENT MOVIE. Wall to wall music and only two tracks released (to my knowledge). One of my final holy grails.
Also, there’s HISTORY OF THE WORLD and HIGH ANXIETY. One day …
