this film be a genuinely move experience john hurt give a performance more worthy of an academy award for best actor then any i can remember . i saw this film late one night . i leave the tv on expect to fall asleep . this movie cause me a sleepless night . john merricks endear quality mix with the fact it be shot entirely in black and white and a taboo for modern day cinema other then low budget film cause me to have real tear in my eye . even this film to me signify the way film should be . i forget it be a film . a must see film which will teach more about tolerance and understanding to people then any documentary or educational lesson . a truly masterful effort by david lynch .