hi all and i saw this movie for the 1st time on 5th december 1999. i be about to go to sleep a it be about 00 40 in the morning and i flick over to the movie and even though i be fall asleep a i flick over to it and within five minute i be wide awake and totally captivated . everyone know the tale of john merrick and it be so sad and painful to watch and see a man with above average intelligence trap by his physical deformity and to be physically and mentally abused and torture for a few meagre penny . i thought sir john gieulgud ( . ) and sir anthony hopkins be both excellent in their respective role . john hurt do merrick proud . i have a bit more than water in my eye on 4 occasion during this movie and not ashamed to admit it either . this be the 1st movie to make me cry . on the kleenex scale titanic be 1 and this be 10. a movie not to be miss but be prepare to be disgust and upset by the story tell . thepm .