Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man confidently sinks its acting chops into the complexities of self-perception. Sebastian Stan, known for his standout role in Fresh, takes the challenge of being a disfigured aspiring actor. Edward, a beloved B-Celebrity, has made his mark on the theater circuit.
Despite his seemingly cheerful exterior, Edward is a reclusive figure, residing in a dilapidated apartment. A pivotal change occurs when he meets Ingrid (Renate Reinsve, Handling the Undead), who moves in next door. The two quickly bond and Edward discovers a profound connection with this beautiful woman. However, when a tender moment between them erupts into a harsh rejection, Edward begins to realize that his life could be transformed if only he dared to change it himself.
The Role of a Lifetime: Obsession in A Different Man
With the magic of the narrative, Edward sees a doctor who tells him about an experimental drug that will cure his facial condition of Neurofibromatosis. With Ingrid and fame on his mind, he leaps at the chance for a normal life. In a similar twist to The Substances’ sliding doors landscape, Edward slowly sheds his old face to reveal the face of his dreams.
Thinking his old personality and life irrelevant, the news that Edward committed suicide forms the story of his past life. In his place is Guy Moratz, a good-looking and suddenly wealthy real estate agent. With his face on billboards, and an easy social life, Guy suddenly wonders if anyone from his old life even noticed he was gone. As the only person locally who can vouch for Edward, he is delighted to discover his lost love Ingrid has written a new play.
Losing and Finding Yourself
Inspired by Edward’s remarkable journey and intense experiences, Ingrid’s play boldly showcases the essence of his life. This time, the moments Edward believed were figments of his imagination unfold openly on stage. In a striking fly-on-the-wall exposé, Edward uncovers that Ingrid also harbors feelings for him. With his newfound visage, he finally begins a relationship with Ingrid.
A Different Man boldly explores the aspects of our psyche that often convince us we fall short compared to others. With a blend of humor, sweetness, and profound insight, Schimberg skillfully introduces Adam Pearson (Under the Skin), who, like Edward, faces a similar diagnosis. Yet, Oswald stands apart, defying the expectations set by Edward’s experience. The narrative adeptly captures the relentless scrutiny of society and our powerful self-perceptions.
With the recent triumph of The Substance, it’s clear there are myriad perspectives on what success truly means. If you haven’t finalized your list of the best movies of 2024, A Different Man is undoubtedly destined to be a top contender. Mother of Movies was obsessed from start to finish.
Theatrical Identity, Reconstructed Lives | Where to Watch
Director and writer Aaron Schimberg. Stars Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson. Distributed by A24 and Focus Features. Released in Australia June 7, 2024 (Sydney Film Festival.) Streaming in more places now – check the link below for where to watch.
A DIFFERENT MAN 2024 (THRILLER-DARK-COMEDY) is streaming on:
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A Different Man is rated
4.5 Who are we without ourselves? out of 5
For other titles with body transformations with themes of self perception in genre films watch these titles next: Mind Body Spirit | Hatching | The Fix | Swallowed or The Seeding next.
A Different Man
Director: Aaron Schimberg
Date Created: 2024-01-21 11:51
4.5
A Different Man
Director: Aaron Schimberg
Date Created: 2024-01-21 11:51
4.5
