This is David Lynch’s most exciting film and it can really change your life

The death of a great filmmaker always brings back many memories. This is the final confirmation of 78-year-old David Lynch. Thousands of tributes and declarations are blooming on social networks, testifying to the influence of the director in the lives of many enthusiasts.

Some remember the oddity of his eraser; the macabre poetry of blue velvet; The monstrous and endearing characters from the world of Twin Peaks or the cosmic epic that was Dune, his only blockbuster.

David Lynch’s most human film

When I think of David Lynch, my mind always goes to the Elephant Man. I discovered this very young, during a television program when I was in the fifth grade. I was immediately fascinated by the tragic fate of this man, Joseph Merrick, whose disfigured face set him apart from the rest of society.

I had little doubt that the man nicknamed “The Elephant Man” really existed, and that the illness he suffered from had a name: Clove Syndrome. In 2024, French professor Guillaume Cano is developing Treatment to fight this disease.

Considered the most “classic” film of David Lynch’s career, The Elephant Man is also considered the most delicate and poignant. His ode to difference and respect knows no bounds and stands the test of time.

All his power is immortalized in the now-iconic line delivered at the film’s climax: “I am not an elephant, I am not an animal, I am a human being, I am a human being.“

The worst and the best of each

I was moved by the compassion of the doctor played by Anthony Hopkins, but also scared by the brutal scenes, especially when the local residents break into Joseph Merrick’s (John Hurt) room to drink alcohol and act like a puppet. .

In that moment, I was truly introduced to the concept of injustice and the level of cruelty that a person was capable of – even if the atmosphere of the schoolyard already gave little idea.

Over the years, the Elephant Man has always been on my mind. As I grew older and after several – often painful – viewings, I learned more about his legacy.

Especially thanks to David Lynch’s classic, the Oscars created a category dedicated to the best makeup. The prize was established in 1982 and it was The Werewolf of London that became the first film to receive the award.

I remember my excitement when, on a trip to New York, I discovered that Christopher Tucker’s prosthetics were on display. Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. Actor John Hurt had to lie still for more than seven hours during the application.

France loves the Elephant Man

If, despite eight nominations, The Elephant Man never won an Oscar, France was able to honor David Lynch’s work by awarding him a César for Best Foreigner in 1982. A year earlier, almost 2.5 million French people came to cinemas. Watch the movie.

Like many others, I took itelephant man An important lesson that stays with me to this day. The death of David Lynch, who knew how to convey this story with a unique sensitivity, is the perfect opportunity to (re)see it and appreciate its enormous human richness.

Elephant Man by David Lynch is available on VOD, DVD and Blu-ray

The film premieres in Paris on Saturday, January 18 at 9 p.m