Co-written and directed by David Lynch, in his second film, The Elephant Man (1980) tells the true story of Joseph Merrick (referred to as John in the script), a severely deformed man suffering from neurofibromatosis and/or Proteus syndrome, living and being exhibited as a human Freak curiosity in 19th Century Victorian London. Mel Brooks produced the film, but kept his name off the project so that audiences would not expect a comedy. The black and white cinematography is artful and the film perfectly captures the period detail of the Victorian era. Anthony Hopkins is excellent as Dr. Frederick Treves. John Hurt is superb, under heavy make-up and prosthetics, as John Merrick "The Elephant Man." The supporting cast is great as well, including John Gielgud, Anne Bancroft and Wendy Hiller. The film was a huge hit, nominated for several Academy Awards, and a novelization of the script followed.
Anthony Hopkins: The Elephant Man
: The Elephant Man
John Hurt: The Elephant Man
Anthony Hopkins: The Elephant Man
Anthony Hopkins: The Elephant Man
John Gielgud and Anthony Hopkins: The Elephant Man
Directed by Mikael Hafstrom, and written by Michael Petroni, The Rite (2011) was generally well-received within the Catholic community. Inspired by Matt Baglio's 2009 book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, the story is loosely based on true events surrounding the Exorcism training of Father Gary Thomas. The plot centers on a young to-be-ordained priest, suffering from lack of faith, who is sent to Rome to study and learn from the veteran clergy working in the realm of Demonic Possession and Exorcism. Skeptical at first, the novice soon faces a terrifying reality. The film has a gripping visual tone and the attention given to church practice lends an air of authenticity. Colin O'Donoghue stars in the lead role. Anthony Hopkins steals the show in his role as an experienced Exorcist. The supporting cast is good as well, including Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds and Rutger Hauer.
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Anthony Hopkins. The Rite: Exorcism and the Roman Catholic Church
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) is a sumptuous version of the classic Gothic Horror tale that is mostly faithful to the original text. Full of bold visual style and strong vampire effects, the film is a feast for the senses. The historical atmosphere is well-conveyed, capturing both Transylvania and London, from the 15th and 19th Centuries. Gary Oldman is spectacular as the immortal Vlad Dracula, aging from old to young and back again, from man to monster. Winona Ryder is sexy and alluring as the focus of his love. Anthony Hopkins is great as Van Helsing. Tom Waits is crazy as Renfield. Keneau Reeves, though miscast, does an okay job as well. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a modern classic.
Gary Oldman: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Vlad the Impaler: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula
