Discussions in representation are growing in the landscape of cinema. More and more we’re getting inspiring stories about underrepresented people all over their world and whatever obstacles within society they may face. Director Aaron Schimberg’s new feature A Different Man, proves to be one of the more challenging and tricky discussions on disability and representation yet, as not only does he bring up points and hard questions about disability and its role in personal identity, but he also brings up contemplations about duality, and the longing for the other self. 

 

Sebastian Stan’s role as Edward is quite a radical and fascinating performance; an actor with neurofibromatosis who undergoes an experimental procedure that heals his face, however, after his recovery, he fakes his death as Edward and goes by Guy. Renate Reinsve stars a playwright who writes a play in tribute to Edward, and Guy attempts to land the lead role, until another actor by the name of Oswald (Adam Pearson), who also has neurofibromatosis, undermines Guy’s place in the play continuously. 

 

The film manages to get some absurdly comedic and dark moments from this concept, and some entirely perplexing, however, Schimberg’s directing is intelligent when juggling the tricky topic at hand, and demands us to ask questions about identity that feel fresh and fun to think about. How can we shed the skin that society’s dawned on us? When we evolve, how do we show it? How can we envision ourselves in certain lives we can never live?

 

It’s such a thought provoking film, and it’s a huge plus that it’s perhaps one of the funniest you’ll see all year. Stan’s dual performance is a new high in his catalog with something that’s really bold, but it fits his sensibilities so well. Not to mention Pearson’s supporting performance as Oswald, which is just show stealing, as he barges in and showcases one of the most interesting characters that could come out of this kind of concept. Perhaps some will feel cold towards this film, but I found it to be incredibly thought provoking, and kind of a blast. Sebastian Stan is really making bold and interesting choices in his performance here, and Schimberg's directing really plays to Stan’s strengths wonderfully. A wonderful, absurd time.