This old idea that the grass is always greener is taken in a funny and exciting direction in A24's latest film, different manThis is largely due to the never-improving Sebastian Stan and his main character's tumultuous rise and fall in New York. People rightly call him different man Stan's best performance yet. What's even more impressive is how well it matches Stan's portrayal of Donald Trump in his next release, traineeThe films form a surreal duo about power, display, and New York.
But in the meantime, enjoy this deliciously absurd satire about one man's search for true identity and purpose in life. different man It comes from writer-director Aaron Shimberg and also stars Adam Pearson (subcutaneous), and the two last collaborated on the independent film Lifetime Bound (2018). Their magic together is clearly working, and the standout roles Stan and Pearson have given are sure to make it to the awards circuit next season. For his part, Shimberg continues to build a remarkable body of cinema that focuses on the nature of performance and the perception of disability. He’s a filmmaker who’s doing something new, and he has the cinematic know-how to do it (after all, his last film opened with a quote from Pauline Kael).
A successful year for Sebastian Stan in the world of cinema
The internet was briefly abuzz when people started seeing Stan's transformation. different man In stills from the film. Then came the recently bizarre trailer, which is appropriately set to the LCD Soundsystem classic, “New York, I Love You But You Make Me Sad,” which is a perfect fit for Schimberg’s stunning new film.
The film doesn’t start with a laugh-out-loud laugh, and judging by the trailer, we can probably predict Edward’s journey as an Aristotelian tragedy. But that doesn’t mean that commercial audiences will be bored until the comedy kicks in in the second act. Until then, it’s an interesting look at the life of a New Yorker whose facial disfigurement resembles neurofibromatosis. He’s subjected to all sorts of stares on the subway, and the aspiring actor can only land gigs that exploit his condition, or clichéd public service announcements in the workplace that promote camaraderie and empathy with coworkers.
Things get even bleaker when Edward returns home to an apartment on the verge of collapse. It's a modest life in a run-down building with incomprehensibly loud neighbors, but there is a bright spot in one neighbor. Ingrid is a compassionate woman and an aspiring playwright, played with a certain dignified eeriness by Renate Rensvi, who previously played the brilliant character in Worst person in the world (2021). She can also be spotted in the latest series on Apple TV+. apparently innocentbut different man It's a real opportunity for her to shine in English. She's great opposite Stan, pushing his character to open up as they develop a warm friendship.
Then comes the opportunity for a certain medical procedure that could change everything regarding his facial disfigurement – as long as he's not given a placebo pill in this clinical trial. Suddenly, as the trailer promised, Edward may have been provided with the right substance after he finally succumbed to temptation and underwent the grueling experiment.
Surface peeling or de-scaling?
different man It succeeds on many levels, especially in the way Edward's character changes once the tumors on his face start falling off. It's a symbolic moment to see him crying, as if in agony, as he peels back the distorted layer to reveal Sebastian Stan. As we have come to know it by popular features like: Between the Stars, Fresh, Dumb Money, Pam and Tommy, And more. You'll see why Edward's tears here are such a clever foreshadowing device for what happens next in this harrowing journey through the New York City theater scene – but at the same time, watch as he gathers the confidence to wander into upscale bars, approach beautiful ladies, and even approach Ingrid with a newfound ambition.
What’s interesting? He takes on a new name, and acts as if Edward has moved out of the apartment, with Ingrid believing the ruse. But as we mentioned earlier in this review, the grass is always greener. We soon learn that Ingrid has written a play about an earlier version of Edward that she liked, and since the new Edward is so handsome, she’ll need to find someone else to play him. Oh no!
Adam Pearson plays Sebastian Stan Adam Pearson plays Sebastian Stan
Here comes the testosterone-fueled actor to save the day, strutting onto the stage as the ever-so-charming Oswald (Pearson) to play the part. Yes, he looks like Edward before treatment—and he's played by an actor who actually lives with neurofibromatosis. He's funny, he's warm-hearted… and he can sing! Plus, who can resist his velvety British accent? Edward, newly “handsome” and rejuvenated, realizes that while he's been remade, he's been replaced.
Here Edward begins to descend into a brutal decline. Stan puts on a physical comedy routine that may be replayed in future acting classes for inspiration. Bitter jealousy of everything Oswald owns drives Edward to take drastic measures, resulting in horrific injuries and worse. Beware of the downright hysterical image of a completely exhausted Edward being spoon-fed his meals because of how far he has fallen, physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s the stuff of memes that will have the theater going in circles screaming (or groaning in discomfort if they can’t handle the dark humor).
There are many other things to eat in different manan apt title for more than one reason. Not only is this a morbidly funny film, it’s a bold, almost groundbreaking film in many ways, one that never compromises. (However, some audiences may wish it would have compromised a little more on the ending, which was a surprise.) We expect this to be a busy year for Stan and Pearson, to say the least. From A24, different man The film will be released in theaters on September 20.
