David Lynch followed the surrealist oddness of Eraserhead with something unexpected: a stately biopic. That film was 1980’s The Elephant Man, based on the life of Englishman Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man who was displayed in a sideshow act in 19th century London before coming under the care of a kindly but ambitious surgeon.
Merrick becomes a high society sensation, even socializing with members of the royal family, but continues to face ridicule and abuse.
Lynch directed the film (and reworked the script) after earning the praise of Mel Brooks, who owned the rights. Brooks, a big fan of Eraserhead, withheld his name from the production credits so the film wouldn’t be confused for a comedy.
Meet Me In Montauk 