Daily Dialogue — October 18, 2012
Merrick is at a loss. This is not part of the expected scenario.
MERRICK: Oh no, everyone has been very kind.
CARR: No, I meant in your former situation.
Merrick doesn’t seem to understand.
MERRICK: I’m feeling much better now…
Carr Gomm stares levelly at Treves for a moment, then asks Merrick:
CARR: Tell me, how do you like Mr. Treves? As a teacher?
Treves stiffens.
MERRICK: …I… everyone has been very kind to me.
CARR: Of course. How long did you and Mr. Treves prepare for this interview?
Merrick looks at Treves for guidance, but Treves cannot look him in the eye.
MERRICK: …everyone has been very kind.
CARR: Yes, of course… Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Merrick. Good day.
TREVES (to John): Thank you, John. You did very well.
Treves and Carr Gomm go out the door onto the landing. Merrick sees his chance escaping him and tries to recapture their attention.
MERRICK (his voice is gaining strength): The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures… (he continues through the following dialogue)
Treves and Carr Gomm are alone on the landing, speaking quietly.
CARR: It was a nice try, Treves, but the man is so obviously mouthing your words.
TREVES: Yes, I’m very sorry to have wasted your time, sir. I just felt that I had to do anything I could to protect him.
CARR: I’m sorry too. He simply doesn’t belong here. He’s be much happier somewhere else, where he could be constantly looked after. Believe me, Frederick, it’s better that it worked out this way. Good day.
Merrick has come to the end of what Treves taught him to say. He makes one last, desperate attempt to be heard.
Treves, disheartened, stands on the landing as Carr Gomm starts down the stairs.
MERRICK (V.O.) (now full voice): Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…
Treves is staring, open-mouthed, back into the room. Carr Gomm looks up at him.
CARR: What is it, Treves?
MERRICK (V.O.): Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, Thou anointest my head with oil…
TREVES: I didn’t teach him that part!
— Carr (John Gielgud), Treves (Anthony Hopkins), Merrick (John Hurt), The Elephant Man (1980), screenplay by Christopher De Vore & Eric Bergren & David Lynch, based on a book by Frederick Treves and a book by Ashley Montagu.
http://static.movieclips.com/embedplayer.swf?shortid=FxMP
The Daily Dialogue theme for the week is tongue-tied, suggested by Annika Wood. Today’s suggestion by Teddy Pasternak.
Trivia: Originally offered to Terrence Malick but he passed.
Dialogue On Dialogue: Commentary from Teddy: “Here is a crucial moment and a major plot point in this terrific film where Treves, Carr and the audience learn that there’s more to John Merrick than meets the eye.”
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