There is the thought of solitude. It weaves heavily in the introduction of A Different Man. Written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, A Different Man keeps its dramatic depths shallow. The writing is structured to make the audience feel sorry for the main character. It does well with this because of its frequent tunes of lighting of question throughout its continuity of dramatics. The writing of a man hoping for a change, and then it all goes down the opposite direction. The path of faith is set toward someone else and not in the path of its predecessor. There is lots of resentment and tension that boils inevitably and explicitly.

The film gears on Edward (played by Sebastian Stan). Edward is a struggling actor. His face has uninviting traits. The looks of it look like a retired Frankenstein on acid.  His neighbor Ingrid (played by Renate Reinsve) comes around. She is neighborly with Edward (despite his appearance). From the looks of the interiors, it is a clever portrait. Edward is depressed (due to his uninviting facial traits).

There is a sense that change can make a difference. In Edward’s situation, it is not so life changing. Edward goes through procedures to have a regular (human) face. When this starts, all bets of joy (for Edward) are off. Schimberg’s writing is a continuous rejection. What Edward has hoped for all goes wrong. There is a man named Oswald (played by Adam Pearson). Oswald is playing a role in a play, and it is based on Edward’s sad life. Edward finds himself in a mental state of agitation.

There is jealousy and curiosity in A Different Man. The play is in the direction of Ingrid. What does Ingrid see in Oswald over Edward? Why is Edward losing it? Who is more of an asset to the dramatics of the film itself? The dynamics of jealousy, love, disconnect, and the theatricals boil high in A Different Man.

It is like misery is made to be taken advantage of (through the eyes of Stan’s performance as Edward). Edward sees his procedure as a light to a new beginning. The “new beginning” just fell into the eyes and attention of somebody else. A Different Man is an envious journey that is gradual of a dark and comedic track. The situation (in the film) is not happy. A Different Man does maintain a steady mode of characterizations, however.

Edward assumes he will get attention (by getting surgery on his face). Edward continues the process. He feels this gives him the chance to get closer to Ingrid. This tactic (kind of) does, but that is until Oswald comes in. Oswald has taken the image of Edward’s life. Instead of Edward finding fame, he finds misery. Is there a new path for Edward to not feel a strong sense of rejection?

The focus of one dreading loneliness finds unique misdirection. A Different Man plays out the jealousy vibe well. With clarification, A Different Man is not accomplished realistically. It is the clever direction (of the film) which is inviting. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for A Different Man.