Where to Watch The Elephant Man (1980) in Australia

What it's about

In Victorian London, Dr. Frederick Treves with the London Hospital comes across a circus sideshow attraction run by a man named Bytes called "The Elephant Man". In actuality, the creature on display is indeed a man, twenty-one-year-old Joseph "John" Merrick, who has several physical deformities, including an oversized and disfigured skull, and an oversized and disfigured right shoulder. Brutish Bytes, his "owner", only wants whatever he can get economically by presenting Merrick as a freak. Treves manages to bring Merrick under his care at the hospital, not without several of its own obstacles, including being questioned by those in authority since Merrick cannot be cured. Treves initially believes Bytes' assertion that mute Merrick is an imbecile, but ultimately learns that Merrick can speak and is a well-read and articulate man. As news of Merrick hits the London newspapers, he becomes a celebrated curiosity amongst London's upper class, including with Mrs. Kendal, a famed actress. Despite treated much more humanely, the question becomes whether Treves' actions are a further exploitation of Merrick. And as Merrick becomes more famous, others try to get their two-cents worth from who still remains a curiosity and a freak to most, including to Bytes, who has since lost his meal ticket.

Cast and crew

Director

David Lynch

Writer

Christopher De Vore, Eric Bergren, David Lynch

Starring

Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft

Details

Release date

Oct 10, 1980

Language

English, French

Country

United States, United Kingdom

Box office

$26,010,864

Awards

Nominated for 8 Oscars. 11 wins & 22 nominations total

Where to Watch The Elephant Man (1980) in Australia — common questions

Where to watch The Elephant Man in Australia?

We have not confirmed a streaming, rental, or purchase option for The Elephant Man in Australia.

Can I stream The Elephant Man or do I have to rent it in Australia?

We have not confirmed a subscription, rental, or purchase option for The Elephant Man in Australia.

Can I watch The Elephant Man for free in Australia?

We have not confirmed a free option for The Elephant Man in Australia.