Edward, embodied by Sebastian Stan, is a man living with neurofibromatosis - lonely and failing in his dreams of being an actor. He soon befriends his strange and altogether creepy neighbour, Ingrid, who possesses a disgusting sort of saviour complex. After he enters a medical trial for a new drug that could ‘cure’ his condition, Edward removes the skin of his face until there appears the conventionally attractive Sebastian Stan. Edward fakes his own death and assumes the persona of ‘Guy’ but, despite achieving the attractiveness that he has longed for, Edward is dissatisfied with his new life.
The film presents a compelling case of ‘the grass is greener on the other side’ as he discovers himself to still be the awkward and stuttering man he was before. ‘A Different Man’ does an incredible job at using the intimacy of an A24 film in order to ensure the audience understand the many ways people commodify and otherise those with physical disabilities.
The film asks important questions about how disabled people should be represented
It knows perfectly how to make an audience uncomfortable, disturbed and disgruntled with its characters - specifically Ingrid. Ingrid steals Edward’s life story and transforms it into a play, creating an idea of Edward as her own Frankenstein’s monster - then casts Guy as Edward. Guy is then superseded by Oswald, a charming and charismatic man also with neurofibromatosis and the embodiment of all Edward wishes he could be - he is himself, with his condition, and is beloved by every member of the ensemble cast.
The film asks important questions about how disabled people should be represented, arguing that Edward (as a character in Ingrid’s play) should be neither victimised or inspirational. Guy asks Ingrid an incredibly poignant question when he poses ‘Does he (Edward) have to be someone else to be idolised, why can’t he be himself?’ Edward’s transition is seminal in presenting the privilege that comes with conventional looks and the ability to blend in, as he finds the courage to stand up for himself and others with his condition in his newfound beauty.
The soundtrack is moving and appropriate, and the cinematography is beautiful and intimate. Sebastian Stan and Adam Pearson both give incredible moving performances that really make the film deserve a four star rating.
