Psalm 23: Elephant Man (Lynch, 1980)

David Lynch's film The Elephant Man (1980) sees Anthony Hopkins play the doctor (Frederick Treves) who takes a medical interest in Joseph John Merrick and his body, paraded in circuses as grotesque. Treves develops a close “teaching” relationship with Merrick — and in the scene where he appeals to hospital officials, both he and the authority (Carr Gomm) come to recognize his humanity because of Merrick’s recitation of Psalm 23. 

Pages 54–63 of this PDF of the screenplay follow:

[...We follow Carr Gomm to his office door. He stops short.]

CARR: (mumbling out loud) Elephant Man? I don't want to meet an Elephant Man.

[HALLWAYS - THE LONDON (NIGHT). Again, the hospital is closing down for the night. Lights go off in each hallway. The staff is vacating the hospital. As the last light goes off, we hear the great iron door slam shut. TREVES' HOUSE - BEDROOM (NIGHT).  Anne is at her dressing table, brushing out her hair. She is in a very flattering dressing gown, ready to turn in. We see her reflected in the mirror as well as Treves who is in his robe in the background seated at his side of their bed, deep in thought. Anne looks at Treves and smiles affectionately.]

ANNE: (coyly) Freddie?

[Getting no response she renews her efforts.]

ANNE: Freddie?... Freddie, don't look so discouraged.

TREVES: I shouldn't be. We made great progress today. I taught him to repeat a few basic phrases. He did rather well, too, but I had to lead him every step of the way. Though frankly, at times I was unsure of who was leading whom.

ANNE: What do you mean?

TREVES: Well, I wasn't sure whether he was parroting me because that's all he was capable of, or whether he sensed that that's all I wanted to hear, and he was trying to please me.

ANNE: But I thought you said that he was rather... simple?

TREVES: He is. I mean, I've always thought he was. I think he must be. Is he simple? Or is that just something I've wished upon him to make things simpler for myself?

[Anne puts down the brush and rises.]

ANNE: Frederick, why are you so interested in this particular case?

TREVES: I don't know. I can't explain it. If this is an intelligent man, trapped in the body of a monster, then I'm under a moral obligation to help free that mind, free that spirit as best I can, to help him live as full and content a life as possible. But! If he's an imbecile, who's body I can't treat and who's mind I can't touch, well, then my obligation is discharged. They can put him where they will; he won't be bothered, I won't be bothered, and everyone's conscience can remain free and untroubled. And that is my dilemma… what is in his mind?

[Anne, sympathizing with his concerns goes to him and puts her arms around him.]

ANNE: Perhaps you're just polishing a stone, endowing this Elephant Man with qualities he doesn't possess?

TREVES: (impatiently) And what qualities are those? Intelligence or stupidity?

ANNE: (slightly hurt) I'm sure I don't know, Freddie.

[She releases Treves and lies down. Treves realizes that perhaps he has been unkind.]

TREVES: I'm sorry... I don't know either. I just don't know.

ANNE: Well, these things take time.

TREVES: I've only got until two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, when Carr Gomm meets him. Somehow, between now and then I've got to make John Merrick at least seem like an intelligent man... Why am I fooling myself? Nothing short of John delivering the Sermon on the Mount is going to sway Carr Gomm...

[Anne sits back up and gently places her hand over Treves' mouth. As she does so she leans forward and turns out the light. ISOLATION WARD Merrick is propped up in bed. Suddenly the door bursts open. The Night Porter, an arm around a drunken giggling tart, stands in the doorway. As soon as the Charwoman sees Merrick, she screams as does Merrick, and she wriggles free, making for the stairs. The Night Porter watches her go and then turns to Merrick laughing noisily. He then pulls the door shut with a bang. Merrick, very frightened, crawls down into his hiding place. BEDROOM (MORNING). We see Anne alone in bed, asleep. Treves is finished dressing and leaves the room. The sound of the door closing awakens Anne. She looks around for Treves. A clock reads 5:30. ISOLATION WARD. Merrick's disguise hangs on the wall.]

MERRICK (V.O.): The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: He Guideth me in the paths of righteousness...

TREVES: Righteousness...

MERRICK (V.O.): Righteousness for his namesake.

[We now see Treves ad Merrick] 

TREVES: Very good, very good. Now, when your visitor comes today I want you to say it exactly the way you said it just now. I will introduce him to you and you will say the words you've learned. If you have any trouble with any of the words, I'll help you. I'm sure you'll be just fine. If you do as well for him as you've done for me these last two days, then I'm sure our visitor will be very pleased. Now, let's go through the whole thing again, shall we? I will say "May I introduce you to Mr. Carr Gomm." And you will say...

MERRICK: Hello, my name is John Merrick. I am very pleased to meet you!

[HALLWAY. Treves and Carr Gomm are speaking together as they walk along.

TREVES: It's only a physical problem. He has trouble with certain sounds because of the constrictive deformity of the mouth. But he can talk, and has a great eagerness to make contact with people who will let him. So if you have any difficulty understanding what he is saying, just tell me and I'll make it clear.

CARR: Speaking is one thing, Treves, but can the man comprehend?

[Treves cannot easily answer this question.]

TREVES: ...As I said, it's only a physical problem... but I do feel that Mr. Merrick is very flattered that you're taking the time and trouble to meet him, and he's most anxious to make a good impression, so he might seem rather nervous.

CARR: He needn't. I have no desire to cause him any discomfort. Did you make those inquiries we spoke about?

TREVES: Yes, I spoke to both the British Home and Royal Hospital for Incurables. I'm afraid that they weren't very encouraging, but they said they'd bring it up at their next committee meeting, so we should have their answers shortly.

CARR: Fine, fine. You know, your dedication to this patient is an inspiring thing, Treves. But you must remember that this is a hospital, and there are many patients here. Patients who can be made well, and you owe them your first consideration. Just don't become so obsessed, old man, that you begin to neglect them.

[Carr Gomm starts up the stairs. Treves remains behind, watching him for a moment, then follows. ISOLATION WARD. Merrick is standing beside his disguise on its hook. He nervously smooths the cloak down, repositions the Bible on the bedside table and smooths the cloak again. He looks at the door, expecting it to open. It doesn't. His hands smooths the cloak over and over again. Voices can be heard outside the door. Merrick freezes. There are two raps at the door. Merrick flinches, clutching the cloak. The raps are repeated. He pulls himself together and walks to the middle of the room. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.]

MERRICK: Come in.

[The door opens and Treves and Carr Gomm enter. Carr Gomm's eyes are rivited on Merrick, but he contains his shock. Merrick is breathing unevenly, his eyes still closed. Treves goes to him and touches his shoulder. Merrick opens his eyes and looks up at Treves. Treves turns to Carr Gomm, as does Merrick. Carr Gomm lowers his eyes.]

TREVES: John, may I introduce you to Sir Carr Gomm.

MERRICK: Hello... my name is John Merrick. I am very pleased to meet you.

[Carr Gomm, still shaken, instinctively offers his hand.]

CARR: I'm very... pleased to meet you.

[Before Carr Gomm can withdraw his hand, Merrick grasps it with his left hand. There is an uncomfortable silence. Merrick releases it. Carr Gomn, nervously clears his throat.]

CARR: How are you feeling today?

MERRICK:I feel much better. Thank you for asking. And you?

CARR: I'm feeling very fit, thank you. How is your bronchitis?

MERRICK: I feel much better. Thank you.

CARR: Are you comfortable here?

MERRICK: Everyone has been very kind. I am extremely grateful.

TREVES: Mr. Merrick likes the food here. Don't you John?

MERRICK: Oh yes! It is much better than what I am used to.

CARR: Oh yes?

TREVES: (after a pause) And what was that, John?

MERRICK: Potatoes...

[There is another agonizing silence.]

TREVES: (to Carr Gomm) ...Yes potatoes... but...

MERRICK: But the variety of food here is very pleasing... I commend you.

CARR: (after a pause) I understand that you were beaten? 

[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!

[Treves rushes back into the room, followed by Carr Gomm].

MERRICK: My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

[There is a long silence as all three men stare at each other].

TREVES: How did you, know the rest? I never taught you the rest of it.

CARR: I don't understand.

TREVES: Tell me, John, how did you know the rest of the 23rd Psalm?

MERRICK: (hesitantly) I... I used to read the Bible every day. I know it very well. The Bible, and the Book of Common Prayer. The 23rd Psalm is very beautiful.

Summary of what immediately follows: Carr Gomm agrees with Treves that the “committee” should review Merrick’s case. Carr Gomm wants to present the committee with photographs of Mr. Merrick, “to see exactly how horribly his body has been affected.” But Carr Gomm says to Treves, “You and I shall vouch for his inner qualities.” When Treves asks if the committee will listen to them, Carr Comm replies, “Of course they will. They're reasonable men.“ Meanwhile, Mr. Merrick continues to read his Bible, reading aloud from Lamentations – and soon thereafter, the Night Porter returns to physically harass Mr. Merrick – taking sinister pleasure in hearing the agony in his breath as he shoves his head and body around.