“A Different Man” Review
(From Left) Sebastian Stan struggles with his newfound “normalcy” in his relationships with Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson in th intriguing character study “A Different Man”.
When it comes to films, I love a good character study that focuses on the psychosis of a dynamic individual. Whether it strengthens or deteriorates over time is up to the filmmaker but many of my favorite films exist in this particular form. With “A Different Man”, writer/director Aaron Schimberg has constructed an intriguing look at someone’s pursuit of perfection and the lengths one will go to fit in only to discover that their differences were what made them so beautiful in the first place.
Edward Lemuel (Sebastian Stan) is an actor living in New York who struggles with everyday life as a result of his facial deformities brought on by neurofibromatosis. However, that all changes when Edward becomes a patient in an experimental medical procedure that cures him of his tumors. Now that he looks like an everyday guy, Edward, now calling himself Guy Moratz, strives for what he feels has eluded him all of his life. Guy’s new life becomes complicated when a charming man named Oswald (Adam Pearson) with the same condition as Edward appears to have everything Guy wants. What follows is an insightful, borderline nightmarish look at obsession and deep envy.
At the center of this film is Aaron Schimberg’s incredible script that feels insanely refreshing. For starters, no one makes any jokes about Edward or Oswald’s faces. Of course, the elephant in the room cannot be ignored and people discuss the condition but there’s no malice in the conversation. It could have been so easy to have onlookers crack remarks or shout insults at these two but Schimberg keeps things realistic by having the most painful part of their lives be quick glances and silent interactions. The isolation Edward feels is far more hurtful than any jaded comment and it makes you understand why he would sign up for a procedure to make himself look more normal.
But this transformation is only skin deep and Sebastian Stan delivers the best performance I’ve ever seen from his career in “A Different Man”. In many respects, Edward achieves what he wanted and has a new life and identity but his desire to fit in causes him to leave the best parts of himself behind. It’s similar to the plot of the comedy classic “The Nutty Professor” in that physical beauty doesn’t automatically equal spiritual beauty. But instead of being a zany comedy, “A Different Man” is much more introspective with Stan going down some dark paths which earned him a Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin Film Festival.
Balancing Stan’s reserved energy is Adam Pearson who is exceptionally delightful with his outgoing persona which is very true to how Pearson is in real life. What Pearson, who has neurofibromatosis, and Aaron Schimberg, who has a cleft palate, understand is how they’ve become comfortable in their own skin and how challenging that was. They have crafted a character in this film that is living their best life as a person who is different while Edward/Guy, who has tried to be perceived as normal, remains awkward and reserved, as if there’s a self-sabotaging element to his character.
What is most attractive about “A Different Man” is how unpredictable it all is. The film takes you on this insane journey that went in directions that I wasn’t expecting but was all for exploring. This is especially relevant concerning Edward’s neighbor Ingrid (Renate Reinsve) who he grows a strong friendship with before he has his surgery. When Oswald is introduced to the story, the triad relationship goes into some fascinating places that further show the mental break that “A Different Man” is building to, topped off with a powerful ending.
With performances that completely suck you in and a story that is exceptionally crafted and executed, “A Different Man” is another wonderful film to be released by A24 in their quest to dominate the world of mainstream arthouse cinema. Not only does it have all the makings of a strong cult classic but it makes me excited for what all of its stars and Aaron Schimberg have to offer in the future.
