Sixteenth Annual Twin Peaks And David Lynch Festival - The Elephant Man
date:Friday, July 25, 2008 time:7:30 PM venue:Seattle Art Museum address:1300 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 View map posted by:Seattle Art Museum
The museum is proud to present a rare screening of David Lynch’s multiple Oscar nominated The Elephant Man (1980, 35 mm archival print).
The film is based on the writing of Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) who, in 19th century London, encountered the stunningly misshapen, downtrodden figure of John Merrick (John Hurt). With grace and delicacy, Lynch shows how Treves rescued Merrick from his hellish life as a carnival freak and housed him in the London Hospital. Merrick is thought to be deaf and mute, but Treves discovers the man’s voice and learns that an intelligent, sweet, sensitive and romantic soul flows within Merrick’s burden of flesh. Merrick has been horribly mistreated, but under Treves’s care he blossoms, delighting and humbling the cream of Victorian society with his wonder-struck, childlike innocence.
The Elephant Man is rooted in the world of physical appearances, but Lynch finds the secret doors to metaphysical realms. Superb black and white cinematography by Freddie Francis. With Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie Jones. In 35 mm, 125 min. As usual at our Twin Peaks / David Lynch Festival, there will be rare film / video supplements and special festival guests in attendance.
Date: July 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plestcheeff Auditorium.
