A Different Man: does changing faces guarantee happiness?

There have been several movies over the years concerning the plight of people living with physical differences, notably the 1980s dramatic hits The Elephant Man and Mask which depicted the mental anguish experienced by these poor souls.

A Different Man is the latest addition to this genre, but it’s a black comedy which strangely is one of its alluring elements.

A man suffering from facial differences brought upon by the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis is given renewed hope by participating in a new experimental drug trial. He is reminded that the potential risk is worth a potential reward.

The trial is successful. He transitions into a different man, discarding his true identity and taking on a new one to escape the loneliness and non-acceptance from society for happier new beginnings.

Changing faces guarantees anonymity, but does it certify a new and positive attitude promoting a better and happier life? Are attractive people the winners in life and does beauty really evoke happiness?

That’s what struggling actor Edward Lemuel ultimately learns, when he auditions for an off-Broadway production based on his previous life written and directed by aspiring playwright Ingrid Vold, his neighbour whom he had feelings for.

He hides his true identity from her, introducing himself as Guy Moratz and successfully wins the leading role. Art depicts his former self which leads to mental trauma, especially when another actor from Neurofibromatosis threatens to take his role.

This black comedy psychological thriller stars Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson and was written and directed by Aaron Schimberg.

Excellent performances are delivered from the entire cast, notably Adam Pearson who lives with Neurofibromatosis in real life. He is a standout portraying an annoying and scheming character which is the catalyst to an explosion of emotions and tragic events.

A surreal cinematic oddity, the bizarre nature of the storylines, notably in the second act, are over the top and compounded by a couple of twists and sequences which some audiences may view upon as nonsensical.

Themes explored are of self-acceptance, identity loss and vanity, and the message resonated is to ensure that we all make the most of what we have in life, as hiding our true identity under a mask may not change who we really are.

The grotesqueness of characters’ personalities and dark elements within the story at times are reminiscent of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast which also depicted the emotional instabilities of the beastly character.

A Different Man may leave audiences to ponder, do we all put a mask on to get through each day of our lives?

A Different Man

***1/2

In Cinemas October 24