Movie Review: ‘A Different Man’

In spite of his abnormal appearance, due to neurofibromatosis, Edward (Sebastian Stan) wants to be an actor. His budding career isn’t helped by his being shy, retiring and very insecure. In addition to becoming an actor, he also dreams of strolling through a sunny park with a beautiful woman by his side.

Coming home from an audition one day, he finds he has to struggle up the stairs with a yellow sofa being carried to his new neighbor’s apartment. Quickly overcoming the horror of seeing her new neighbor’s face, Ingrid (Renate Reinsve) introduces herself. A friendly chat ensues including their career dreams. He tells her of his acting dream and she mentions being a playwright – at least that’s what she wants to start doing. She jokes saying perhaps her first play could be a work including him in it. The friendless continues.

Hearing of a new experimental procedure designed for persons suffering from Edward’s condition, he decides to investigate. Fantasizing of a possible different life, this time with a beautiful woman, Edward agrees to having the treatment. Painful as the treatment is, it is successful. Day after day the grotesque bulbous pieces of skin fall from Edward’s face revealing a very handsome one, one people love to look at. With his new face, Edward changes his name and begins a new career. He is now “Guy,” becomes a noted real estate salesman and moves into a swanky new apartment. At a chance meeting with Ingrid in the hall of his old apartment, he tells her that Edward has taken his own life. She is saddened at the news.

Time has passed and the two former neighbors have moved forward. Edward has amassed wealth and fame in the real estate world and Ingrid has written and is producing  her first play. Quite by accident, Edward passes her on the street and follows her into a small off Broadway theater. He finds she has completed her first play and has named it Edward.

She is presently conducting auditions for the cast, the star being Edward. She allows the real Edward to audition. He takes the script and goes home to memorize the lines.

Returning to the theater for his audition, he brings a 3D printed mask of his former face to add a touch of realism to his character.

Ingrid is impressed with his performance and grants him the lead role. She also becomes attracted to him as a man – they become lovers. She’s not aware of his true identity. The bedroom acts and rehearsals continue.

During one rehearsal, Oswald (Adam Pearson) enters the theater. He suffers from neurofibromatosis, has heard about the play and is curious. He is friendly, chatting with Ingrid and other cast members, soon becoming their best friend. Best friend to everyone except Edward. Oswald asks for a chance to audition for the “Edward” part and is very convincing, so convincing that Ingrid considers granting him the lead role. It’s time for her to make the decision – which one will be Edward?

Directed by Aaron Schimberg (Credits: Chained for Life, Go Down Death), A Different Man runs 112 minutes and is a “should see” for a very original story, well acted and presented. Prize winner at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2024.