A Different Man (2024) is a darkly comedic psychological thriller that should not work on so many levels - but against the odds, it almost seamlessly comes together.
The latest release from A24, A Different Man is written and directed by American filmmaker Aaron Schimberg, who first garnered widespread attention in 2019 with Chained for Life. The film follows Edward (Sebastian Stan), a man living with neurofibromatosis, as he embarks on a deeply personal journey. After undergoing surgery in search of a fresh start, Edward becomes increasingly obsessed with Oswald (Adam Pearson), an actor who shares his condition and is playing Edward in a stage production based on his former life. Born with a cleft palate, Schimberg attributes his affinity for stories featuring characters with facial deformities to his own experiences. He draws on this personal insight to explore how physical appearance shapes identity and how the outside world perceives and responds to it.
In its exploration of identity, authenticity, and the nature of beauty, this intriguing, yet uneven film, ventures into the strange and unsettling. It is a whirlwind of concepts, at times chaotic, but always thought-provoking. From Beauty and the Beast to The Elephant Man, Schimberg skillfully sets up every moral dilemma and creative parallel you can anticipate, only to hurl them back at the viewer - impossible to dodge. Beauty and the Beast is tackled head-on with a touch of wit, and the central character’s transformation is treated with just the right amount of gravity, allowing the fairytale premise to feel both believable and indulgent.
The film is shot in a way that aptly blurs the line between reality and fable, with jarring zooms and an abundance of reflective elements. Yet, it’s the performances that truly elevate the experience. The actors inhabit their roles so completely that the underlying messages in the script feel more like decorative embellishments.
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Edward is captivating. Regardless of his outward appearance, Edward exudes a deep, persistent discomfort within his own skin. He seems to be drifting through life, surrendering to others to the point of self-destruction. He craves to escape the harshness of people, whether intentional or not, by simply fading into invisibility. Meanwhile, Oswald – talkative, confident, and humorous – serves as a vital counterbalance to Edward, who remains paralyzed by his own fears, trapped in a constant state of stagnation. We can't even begin to contemplate feeling sympathy for Oswald since we are so attached to him. He ignores the notion of it. Adam Pearson delivers a smart, humorous, and wholly enchanting performance, with his portrayal of Oswald being utterly disarming.
If I could make one critique, perhaps a problem lies in Schimberg’s tendency to keep piling on layers of plot to emphasize his ideas, rather than stepping back and allowing his characters to unfold naturally. As the second half of the film grows increasingly agitated and fragmented, the narrative begins to lose its direction. But maybe this only deepens the frustration, stagnation, and confusion that defines Edward's plight?
The score, composed by Umberto Smerilli, is undoubtedly the film's backbone, with its hypnotic main theme lingering long after the credits roll. The music features dissonant, eerie harmonies that capture the protagonist's inner turmoil and alienation, shifting seamlessly between jarring, unsettling motifs and haunting, atmospheric textures. Its minimalist approach - marked by precise use of silence, sparse instrumentation, and lingering pauses - perfectly enhances the film's intimate, character-driven moments. Additionally, the score’s jazz undertones anchor it firmly within the New York setting, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.
Overall, A Different Man offers a thoughtful exploration of ableism and our complex perceptions of disability, and it largely succeeds. So what message does it leave us with? Physical beauty is not always the happy ending that we assume it will be? What you perceive as insecurity in yourself may be viewed as beauty by someone else? Reflect deeply on how you perceive people who are different from you? Or perhaps, since we're all unique individuals, why should we view differences as differences? Regardless of what you take away from this film, its thought-provoking depth, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances make it well worth watching, and I urge you to experience it for yourself.
Editor’s Note: The tickets were provided by City Screen York. In the heart of York, City Screen is an award winning Student Friendly Cinema showing the latest and greatest films! With Live showings from the Royal Opera House and blockbuster hits, to their specially curated Discover, and Culture shock showings, there’s something for everyone at City Screen! With their free U25 membership you can get £4.99 Tickets all day Monday-Thursday! In the café-bar and restaurant, there’s a relaxing environment for studying, getting together with friends and family, or just enjoying some food and drink that’s bound to leave you wanting more. And with a student membership that’s just £20 for the year you’ll get 2 free tickets included, weekly £1 film club screenings, and save 25 percent on all food and drink purchases across the Cinema and Café-Bar! For more information, visit their website here.
