As humans, we wear different metaphorical masks to suit our social environment. But this literal and metaphorical example proves to be an aspiring actor’s greatest fear in Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man Theflixtor. This thought-provoking concept has a core in the right place, but its message is lost in its unsettling tone and questionable plot.
After undergoing facial reconstructive surgery, Edward (Sebastian Stan) enjoys his new life and blends in with the general population. He becomes obsessed with a new actor named Oswald (Adam Pearson), who lands the lead role in a stage production based on his past life.
Edward’s dreams of acting extend far beyond the walls of his miserable apartment and the cheesy work-study videos that describe him only as different physically. He quickly develops romantic feelings for his new neighbor, Ingrid (Renate Lijssweg). Her unashamed confidence charms him, but it’s clear that their initially innocent exchange is influenced by her selfish motives. Society tells him life would be so much easier if he were just a normal-looking person. Edward makes the most of his new life, but then he realizes that Ingrid’s plays and leading roles are no longer right for him.
A Different Man is a story of self-discovery as Edward tries to find a middle ground between his new and old lives. He witnesses Ingrid, and later Oswald, take control of his own story, leaving him powerless to admit his secret. Oswald embraces his ugliness and has the poise, spotlight, and natural talent Edward always dreamed of. Simberg rarely takes this route, leaving it as a loose, unused plot thread.
The dry, dark comedy isn’t laugh-out-loud funny, but it works well with the story’s inherently embarrassing moments. Edward’s physical and mental transformation reflects modern society’s judgments and prejudices against ugly people. Strangers turn their eyes away from Edward until his operation is over, unless they can use him to their advantage. But they cannot help but stare at Oswald’s innate attractiveness, which causes turmoil in Edward’s mind.
Stan gives the most dynamic performance of his career to date, capturing the nuance of Edward beyond the words on paper. Yet, despite his exceptional good looks, it’s hard to imagine him being considered an “average” man. Certainly, Edward is no longer best suited for the role of Ingrid’s fictional counterpart in the play, but otherwise, he has achieved the life he wanted without any further nuance related to the life he left behind. From this point on, the characters’ motivations make little sense. Still, Pearson is as charming as Oswald and commands the screen with as much charisma as Oswald.
A Different Man has intellectually stimulating concepts involving otherness and exploitation, but it is awkwardly paced and emotionally incoherent. The tone veers between comedy, drama, and thriller, and does not excel at any of them. There are only so many directions the film can go before it ruins the overall experience — if only the narrative direction could capture the depth of his impressive acting. Available to stream on flixtor movies.