A Different Man
“A Different Man” is one of those films that lures an audience in with a trailer that immediately grabs your attention, presenting a story we’ve never seen before. Once they have the audience seated and ready to watch, they hold up a mirror, urging us to inspect not just ourselves but the society we live in.
“All unhappiness comes from not accepting what is.” Now, when a film quotes Lady Gaga, you just KNOW it has something to say. We all want to be seen, and A Different Man personifies this desire on a larger scale. However, it still creates a character we can relate to and see ourselves in. The need for attention and the simple desire for interactions is such a necessity to our being, but will it ever be enough?
We see this theme echoed in another film released this year, The Substance. Having these two films come out so close together and yet be so unique in themselves is crucial to understanding the epiphany of our society. It makes us question how far we are willing to go to meet societal standards. Is the reward really worth the risk? And what is truly holding you back from living the life YOU deserve?
Adam Pearson, as Oswald, takes this one step further. I first saw Adam Pearson on screen in Under the Skin, and I was amazed by the talent this man has, along with his willingness to share himself with a world that can be so cruel to anyone perceived as different. I’d like to believe that his character, Oswald, is much like him in that he doesn’t let neurofibromatosis hold him back from living the life he was meant to live and conquering the dreams he wants to achieve. It’s truly astounding, and I had one of those moments like Sebastian Stan in the film, where you look at him and his character and think, What’s been holding me back from being like that this whole time?
I love the way they shot this film. It has the story and essence of almost a Black Mirror episode, yet it feels so true and authentic.
The colors bring this world to life, and the cinematography is so cozy and interesting that you are constantly entranced.
Sebastian Stan gives a stellar performance, and I really enjoyed seeing him in a role that pushes him far out of his comfort zone.
And THE MAKEUP. OSCARS. I CAN SEE IT. Halfway through the film, I thought that another actor with neurofibromatosis was playing the first act, but then I realized, No way, that’s makeup!
The only issue I had with this film, and why I keep going back and forth on it, is the ending. The pacing slows down a bit toward the end and feels slightly repetitive. I feel like I need to watch it again to fully grasp the meaning, but I did feel a bit lost when the beginning and middle were so strong and powerful.
Nonetheless, this film is definitely one to put on your list.
What did you think of A Different Man? Any Oscar nominees?