Writer-director Aaron Schimberg’s dark comedy, A Different Man, features two men with facially transforming neurofibromatosis. Although they each have the same medical condition that changes their face, both adults are not the same. Why? Their approach to life and personality differences regarding appearance can be a part of it.
Set in New York, Edward (Sebastian Stan) is self-conscious about his appearance, yet he tries to audition for acting roles despite his lack of talent. He decides to participate in an experiment that is said to cure his condition. It is during this time that he meets the new neighbor next door, Ingrid (Renate Reinsve, The Worst Person in the World) who is an aspiring playwright. They have a connection and as a playwright, Ingrid writes about the experience.
Edward’s gamble on the experimental procedure turns out to be successful – enough so to claim a new identity as a handsome, well to do real estate broker named Guy. (Maybe we are to suspend reality here for a while? According to this story, his new face made him an “overnight” success from broke to rich? Ask a few real estate agents/brokers their opinion about overnight success.)
His ambition for acting does not stop and he auditions for the role of a character like Edward. Seems like Ingrid wrote a play about her personal life – maybe without Edward knowing it. He goes for an audition, and appears to get the part, that is until an actor with neurofibromatosis named Oswald (Adam Pearson, Under the Skin, Chained for Life) also auditions. Oswald’s confidence is high, and he stands out, crushing the real Edward, aka Guy. His new good looks did not fix his insecurities. Cue the drama.
Cinematographer Wyatt Garfield shot the film in Super 16mm giving a very retro indie look to the film. The filmmaker’s script also includes some humor that can be identified as that of films from that era. Composer Umberto Smerilli’s outstanding and rich score supports much of the character’s state of mind.
Other Cast: Miles G. Jackson as Sean, Patrick Wang as Director, Neal Davidson as Corey, Sergio Delavicci as Mover, Lawrence Arancio as Landlord, Billy Griffith as Ollie, John Klacsmann as Ostermeier, Cosmo Bjorkenheim as Whistling Expert, John Keating as Dr. Varno, C. Mason Wells as Carl, Corey Taylor as Luther, Danielle Burgos as Sally, Sammy Mena as Sammy Silverheels
112 minutes ‧ R ‧ 2024 In US theaters Sep 27th after having screened as part of Fantastic Fest.
Source: A24
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