By John F. Gray
@JohnFosterGray
A Different Man is a satirical drama from director and writer Aaron Schimberg that poignantly explores the perspectives of two unique individuals. Edward (Sebastian Stan), a reclusive actor with neurofibromatosis, desperately wants to live a normal life but feels incapable due to his external appearance. He is unfulfilled in all aspects of his life: he has no companionship, no hobbies, and the acting jobs he gets are usually workplace training videos designed to teach employees how to react civilly around those who physically appear different.
On his way home from work, Edward notices that a new neighbor, a playwright named Ingrid (Renate Reinsvel), has moved in next door. Edward and Ingrid have a few small interactions in and around his apartment. She is incredibly sweet and inquisitive, hoping to get to know him better. Edward realizes he has feelings for Ingrid but believes that a person who looks like him has no chance with a beautiful woman.
Edward learns about an experimental drug trial aimed at helping people like him get a chance at a new life. At first, things seem the same in Edward’s life, but eventually, he notices some physical changes that are visibly alarming at first but ultimately appear to be eliminating many of the tumors on his face. One night, Edward finally reveals a whole new face underneath his own — that of an attractive man.
The film’s pacing is inconsistent, with time moving at a varying speed. The audience misses out on a lot of developments that take place off-screen. However, I was never caught off guard or confused by these time jumps because there are visual cues, such as aging, that signal to the audience how long it has been.
After living with his new face for what seems to be a few years, Edward has now changed his name to Guy Moratz and claims that Edward passed away to anyone who asks. He now appears to be a successful real estate agent with a love life and friends, yet he still seems unhappy despite having everything he thought he wanted.
One day, Edward leaves work and spots Ingrid walking to the theater. He decides to follow her from a distance and enters the theater to see what’s going on. He discovers that they’re making a play about Edward and need someone to play the lead role. He tries out for a different role at first, but later returns wearing a 3D-printed mask of Edward’s face to sell the character better. Everyone is speechless, and Guy now has the role.
The film jumps further in time, and we meet another actor, Oswald (Adam Pearson). Oswald is a confident, bubbly British man who also suffers from neurofibromatosis and believes he could play the part. Oswald gets the role, much to Guy’s dismay, which drives him down a destructive and jealous path. He begins to realize that all his problems were not relegated to his outward appearance. Oswald, despite his condition, is confident, charming, and happy, regardless of how he looks. This contrast drives Guy to madness.
In a world obsessed with being physically beautiful, Schimberg creates a film using extreme examples in a realistic way to prove how vain the pursuit of perfection is. It is a tremendously refreshing and relevant narrative.
A Different Man is an incredibly entertaining, chaotic, and dark fairytale-esque drama with an incredible score and jarring cinematography that never allows the viewer to get comfortable. There is an ever-present anxiety that permeates throughout the film, keeping you glued to the screen but terrified of what will come next. It is a film I thoroughly enjoyed and will watch again in the future.
