REVIEW: A DIFFERENT MAN

4/5

A Man Apart.

112 Mins. Starring: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve & Adam Pearson. Screenplay: Aaron Schimberg. Director: Aaron Schimberg. In: Theatres.

Marvel at Sebastian Stan for the wonderful work this soldier did last winter. Yeah, you know the depth of his dark designs as Bucky Barnes in the M.C.U. ('Captain America: Civil War', 'Thunderbolts*'), just like you know what that asterisk means. But last year, the award favourite was met by some arrogant, assuming folk saying he could actually act. Number one, here's guessing they didn't see 'I, Tonya', or 'Pam & Tommy'. Two, The Winter Soldier is more than just a cold and calculated character for Marvel Studios. Haunted by all that he's done, Sebastian Stan brings purity and dignity to the isolated, yet sincere soul. Stan won't bite the Disney/Feige hand that kept him fed, either. Even when he was winning awards for this movie as 'A Different Man', and garnering Academy-Award nominations for 'The Apprentice'. Not to mention scorn from the man he played, Donald Trump.

As the President we should all fire before he was Oval Office famous, Stan was the man. The former villain turned anti-hero, Terminator like superhero character ate PB&J sandwiches and saw my barber in order to play The Donald. Now, in this movie, he undertakes a whole new prosthesis to play an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis. Down on his luck, he endures stares, scares and scorn. All whilst his love life and acting gigs can't catch a break. To make matters worse, the ceiling in his New York theatre district apartment has sprung a leak, dripping as much metaphor as it does water torture. Then, Sebastian's Edward character reluctantly agrees to undergo an experimental procedure to change his face. Shedding the skin, but not the insecurities that remain raged, offset by a whole new world of problems. It ain't easy being that handsome...especially when you have a conscience.

'Shallow Hal' this is not, as Aaron Schimberg's ('Chained For Life') written and directed movie for indie hit production company A24 (and one of their best yet in the brightest bunch) has shades of Jake Gyllenhaal's double identity in Denis Villeneuve's 'Enemy' and Demi Moore's almost all award-winning turn in 'The Substance'. Stan's Edward cosies up with neighbour and playwright Renate Reinsve ('The Worst Person In The World' and one of the best actors here) pre- and post-op. But does she recognize the new man auditioning for a role in her play based on the man she previously met? Stan was born to play this part, it's more than how he looks.  Like the classic acting cameo. But once the amazing Adam Pearson comes into play, everything changes. The British actor (Jonathan Glazer and Scarlett Johansson's haunting 'Under The Skin', based on the Michael Faber book), TV presenter and campaigner actually has neurofibromatosis type 1, and what he, and Stan, do in this movie more than raise awareness and solidarity for the condition. 

This movie is more than just a metaphor to be happy in the skin you're in. A perfect Pearson, will next star as Joseph Merrick in the latest adaptation of Bernard Pomerance's play, 'The Elephant Man'. Becoming the first disabled actor to play the part on-screen. Most recently, from Broadway to the West End, Merrick was played by Bradley Cooper of all people, with deep dignity and real respect. We hope the 'Maestro' director of 'A Star Is Born' gets to direct Pearson as Merrick. Or, it could even be Schimberg who reunites with Pearson here after they were 'Chained For Life' together. That movie would be monumental. Just like this one that stays with you like the haunting theme over the classic credits. A beautiful performance of confidence and charisma gifts Pearson will the new role of his life. Whilst the beast that lies within Stan gave him not just the Golden Globe, but the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. But really, what's trying to get out is an empathetic understanding yearning for acceptance. Finally released here in Japan on the same weekend that 'Superman' is dividing some critics and audiences like the movie's universe rift, 'A Different Man' raises questions about a completely different hero and what really is the mask he wears. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Apprentice', 'Enemy', 'The Substance'.