As a cinephile with an affinity for the surreal and the subversive, I found “A Different Man” to be an absolute gem that resonated deeply with me. The film’s unique blend of humor, drama, and cinematography is reminiscent of a dreamy Lynchian landscape, yet it stands on its own as a singular piece of art.
The aspiration to modify undesirable traits, a common theme in fictional narratives, is central to several upcoming productions in 2024, including Demi Moore’s gripping body horror film “The Substance” and the Netflix adaptation of the young adult novel “Uglies”. However, none have pushed this idea as far into the realm of the hilariously extreme as Aaron Schimberg’s stunningly magnificent film “A Different Man”.
I’m excitedly counting down to the release of this movie!
In the novel “A Different Man“, while “Beauty is only skin-deep” might not be its exact theme, it certainly resonates deeply through the character of Edward, portrayed by Sebastian Stan. This character, an aspiring actor, is defined by his neurofibromatosis and the tumors on his face, which unfortunately overshadows his true worth in the eyes of many. However, beneath this surface lies a kind and talented individual whose potential often goes unnoticed due to people’s inability or unwillingness to see beyond his physical appearance.
Until two significant events intersect and drastically alter Edward’s path: he encounters Ingrid, an ever-optimistic character played by Renate Reinsve, and agrees to a groundbreaking surgical method that miraculously treats his neurofibromatosis in an extraordinary manner. However, as he transforms into a more conventionally attractive individual and embraces his new prosperous life, Edward experiences a profound shift in his mental state, seemingly reversing his inner self.
However, it’s only when the film introduces Oswald, played by Adam Pearson who lives with neurofibromatosis in real life, that Edward comes to understand how different his current life is from his past, despite his being on stage performing a play depicting the early days of his friendship with Ingrid. Oh, the path to success often hides unclear motivations.
A Different Man is far from the melodramatic tragedy that one might expect.
As a gamer, I might’ve initially assumed that “A Different Man” was another predictable, awards-seeking drama about someone battling personal adversity, akin to overly sentimental films like “I Am Sam.” However, diving deeper into it, I realized that such an assumption couldn’t be more off the mark. In fact, the self-exploratory journey portrayed in this film is far from the clichéd, saccharine tales often seen on screen.
Although the movie “A Different Man” highlights harshly the insensitive ways humans treat those who appear different, sometimes triggering an inherent sense of guilt, it doesn’t solely aim to keep viewers sympathetic towards Edward. Instead, we observe how swiftly Edward can find himself trapped in the same mistakes as those who previously judged him based on his looks, while simultaneously striving to preserve essential aspects of his previous self.
Schimberg doesn’t present Stan’s Edward in an unpleasant manner, despite the “dark comedy” tag suggesting otherwise. Instead, he skillfully portrays him as a clumsy hero we sympathize with rather than mock. It’s only following his physical change that he becomes more genuinely vulnerable and subjected to mistreatment, although this is justified. The movie effectively explores genuine emotional distress, but fortunately, it steers clear of overly dramatic waters.
The film’s pleasant atmospheres and tones are enhanced by cinematographer Wyatt Garfield and Schimberg’s decision to shoot it in grainy 16mm, which suggests that beauty can exist even when something isn’t perfect or polished, just as a treasure can still be valuable.
Like Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David, Sebastian Stan’s Edward becomes an anti-protagonist you love to hate.
There are numerous comparisons to draw between the film “A Different Man” and some of David Lynch’s famous works, such as the duality themes in “Lost Highway” and “Twin Peaks,” and the outsider feel of both “Eraserhead” and “The Elephant Man.” Whether these similarities were intentional or not, I can’t say for sure. However, as a fan of Lynch’s work, I found these connections enhanced my appreciation and excitement for every bizarre turn in Edward’s story.
As a fan, I find that Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Edward in “A Different Man” bears a striking resemblance to Larry David’s character in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” warped through a funhouse mirror. While it’s not an exact copy, the main character in “A Different Man” doesn’t start off as a repugnant and off-putting personality like Larry David’s character does. Instead, he gradually evolves into something much more similar over time.
Aaron Schimberg’s script centers around a character who orchestrates their own decline, and in doing so, offers the satisfying full-circle storytelling that I admire across all genres. Furthermore, after his surgery, Edward assumes a role in a play that narrates his personal tale, without others recognizing his true identity. This cleverly employs meta-textual humor reminiscent of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and its references back to “Seinfeld” jokes, such as the reunion season and the series finale.
Adam Pearson 100% steals the whole movie.
As a gamer, I was fully anticipating Sebastian Stan to knock it out of the park in his portrayal of Edward, and he certainly delivered, maintaining an authenticity that felt genuine throughout. Renate Reinsve as Ingrid was equally captivating, bouncing between typical character choices and surprising ones that kept me on my toes. The diverse cast, filled with talented actors sporting physical differences, truly shone in every scene.
Surprisingly fitting, the TV show “A Different Man” shines brightest when Adam Pearson’s character, Oswald, is present. Known for his breakout role in 2013’s “Under the Skin“, Pearson has since been featured in projects that delve into his diagnosis and Schimberg’s 2019 drama “Chained for Life“. Here’s hoping his career continues to thrive, as he oozes charisma with a generous helping left over.
Upon unexpectedly appearing in the lives of Edward and Ingrid, Oswald might have seemed suspicious or harmful, especially if played by another actor. However, Pearson never gives the impression that he’s anything but a dedicated actor, a kind friend, and a wonderful individual. Whether he truly is or not remains to be seen by the audience and may cause Edward concern.
A film that occasionally resembles a Denis Villeneuve psychological thriller and at other instances echoes the grand climax of Mr. Show sketches, this is an essential movie that refuses to be compared due to its unique essence. (What other 2024 award-winning film contains a scene reminiscent of a Looney Tunes cartoon?) No one quite matches Adam Pearson’s distinctive talent, and nothing else comes close to the darkly comic brilliance of A Different Man.
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2024-09-24 08:07