A Different Man * * * * ½

Two men equally attractive in their own way.

I don't think there are many people who have the extreme facial deformities that Adam Pearson has. 

This is the second time Director Aaron Schimberg has worked with him and featured him in his films.  For this film he has written a very clever script with more than a few twists. It also allows Pearson to be his very charming self and show his versatility.

The story is about a man named Edward (Sebastian Stan) who has a similar condition to Pearson.  He lives in a cheap apartment and has been auditioning for parts where someone with his condition might be needed. He develops a warm (somewhat flirtatious) friendship with his neighbour Ingrid, a very attractive woman who aspires to be a playwright. 

Edward's doctor asks Edward if he'd like to be part of a drug trial.  The effect of the drug is amazing and in a very short time he becomes a handsome young man completely unrecognisable from who he was. He renames himself as Guy and tells everyone that Edward is dead.   As for the attractive playwright next door she has no interest in Guy.

Guy now becomes a real estate agent and does very well.  But he wishes he could get Ingrid back into his life. He finds out that her first play is now in casting and its a dramatisation of Edward.  Even though he is now a handsome young man he wins the role because he acts the part so convincingly, after all Edward is still inside him.  And Ingrid falls for Guy. 

But suddenly a man walks off the street to audition for the part.  This is Oswald played by Adam Pearson.  Unlike Guy, no mask is needed.  The affection Ingrid feels for Guy diminishes and she wants to work closer with Oswald who is the real deal.

Twists, duplicity and underhandedness abound as the story moves forward.  It's clever!  

What is particularly fascinating is the way it deals with the classic situation of internal and external beauty 

Sensitive, intelligent, funny and beguiling. A Different Man is an excellent film you really don't want to miss.