Aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost. A film by Aaron Schimberg, starring Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson.
A DIFFERENT MAN
Aaron Schimberg
(2024)
Edward Lemuel (Sebastian Stan) is a struggling actor with neurofibromatosis that disfigures his face. Despite his profession, Edward lacks confidence due to his appearance.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of non-cancerous tumors in the nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms that can vary significantly among individuals. There are three main types: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), which often presents with café-au-lait spots, neurofibromas, scoliosis, and potential learning disabilities, typically manifesting in childhood due to mutations in the NF1 gene; Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas that can cause hearing loss and balance issues, usually appearing in adolescence or early adulthood due to mutations in the NF2 gene; and Schwannomatosis, the rarest form, which primarily causes widespread pain without the hearing loss seen in NF2. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and family history, with no cure currently available. Treatments may include surgery to remove problematic tumors, radiation therapy for cancerous growths, and regular monitoring to manage symptoms.
Edward develops feelings for Ingrid Vold (Renate Reinsve), a beautiful aspiring playwright who has just moved into the neighboring apartment, but he’s too afraid to take a chance, choosing instead to remain friends with her and maintain his distance.
When an opportunity presents itself, Edward undergoes an experimental medical treatment that eventually cures his condition, transforming him into a handsome man. He decides to keep this transformation secret and creates a new identity as Guy Moratz.
Dr. Flexner (Malachi Weir) visits Edward’s apartment to check on Edward because he hasn’t heard from Edward in a while. Guy realizes the doctor can’t recognize him and claims that Edward committed suicide.
Unbeknownst to Guy, Ingrid overhears their conversation and believes Edward is dead. Shortly after, Guy moves out of Edward’s apartment and becomes a wealthy, successful real estate agent.
Inspired by Edward, Ingrid completes a play based on his character and holds auditions at a local theater to cast the leading role. One day, Guy spots Ingrid on the street and follows her to the theater, where he discovers the play is based on his former life with her. Though he no longer identifies with his former self, Guy becomes obsessed with landing the role he feels he was born to play.
He successfully secures the part and begins a relationship with Ingrid, his dream girl. Everything seems perfect until Oswald (Adam Pearson) enters the picture – a man who also has neurofibromatosis, just like Edward did. However, Oswald is Edward’s opposite: funny, literate, and radiating with confidence.
Written and directed by American filmmaker Aaron Schimberg, “A DIFFERENT MAN” is a dark comedy with psychological thriller elements. The narrative is engaging from the first scene as we follow Edward’s personal life and acting career.
Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve deliver impressive performances as Edward and Ingrid. However, Adam Pearson steals the spotlight whenever he appears on screen with his playful personality and natural charisma.
Adam Pearson is a prominent British actor, presenter, and disability rights campaigner. Diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 at age five, he has become an advocate for disability awareness through his work in television and film. Pearson gained recognition for his role in the BAFTA-nominated film Under the Skin and has presented several impactful documentaries, including Horizon: My Amazing Twin and The Ugly Face of Disability Hate Crime.
The score by Italian composer Umberto Smerilli is strikingly beautiful, featuring unexpected jazzy vibes during chase scenes – an unusual choice for contemporary cinema that works perfectly. The score seamlessly transitions to melancholic piano when the mood requires it. The score was so captivating that I had to look up who composed it – something I rarely do.
Umberto Smerilli is an Italian film composer based in Rome. He has worked on notable projects presented at prestigious film festivals, including Venice and Tribeca. His works include scores for films like The Bunker Game and Worldly Girl. Smerilli’s work reflects a blend of traditional Italian cinema influences and contemporary styles.
However, the ending doesn’t quite stick the landing. The film seems to reach several potential endings before its actual conclusion: the scene where Guy breaks down and lashes out at his colleagues, when the hanging ceiling drops on him, when he stabs his physical therapist, or when he’s hit in the face by a basketball. The filmmaker’s decision to keep adding scenes one after another ultimately diminishes the impact of the final scene, making it less powerful than it could have been.
A DIFFERENT MAN premiered at Sundance Film Festival on 21 January 2024. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 20 September, by A24.
