In the official Sundance literature, A Different Man is described as both “a surreal, singular tale” and “a unique psychological thriller.”
Aaron Schimberg directed from his own script and Christine Vachon, Vanessa McDonnell and Gabriel Mayers produced.
MATT WINKELMEYER/GETTY IMAGES
Schimberg’s official Sundance bio states that “he made two commercial disastrous features, but the second one, Chained for Life, was well-received by critics.”
Stan toplines the A24 release as the aspiring actor Edward, who undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But the new face turns into a nightmare when it causes him to lose a dream role he was born to play when the playwright-object of his affections (Renate Reinsve) replaces him with a man who looks nearly identical to his former self, Pearson, a man with disfigured face.
Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World breakout in her first U.S. film) and Adam Pearson (who has neurofibromatosis himself) are impressive in supporting roles.
Pearson lives with neurofibromatosis (type 1), a rare genetic condition that causes excess body tissue to grow predominantly on his face. The condition fuels the plot and Pearson actually inspired the film after having worked with Schimberg on his 2018 film, Chained for Life.
That indie explored similar themes to A Different Man, centering on a beautiful actress who struggled to connect with disfigured co-star (Pearson) on the set of a European filmmaker’s English-language debut.
