'A Different Man': A Stunning Performance by Sebastian Stan

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News Uptake

Aaron Schimberg's 'A Different Man' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday. It stars Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson and Renate Reinsve.

Stan Portrays Ed, an aspiring actor who undergoes a medical procedure to transform his appearance which is marred by extra growth on his face due to neurofibromatosis.

He is devastated when he finds out that he has lost the role which completely suited his previous persona, only to be replaced by someone (Pearson) who looks like his former self.

Pearson actually suffers from neurofibromatosis (Type 1), a rare condition which causes excess body tissues to grow on his face.

Ed soon starts missing his former self as Pearson's character literally starts hijacking not only his role but also his life and new-found love interest in Ingrid.

Schimberg skillfully weaves together various plots and genres to hover around the essential question- What's in a face?

The film uses the quintessential New Yorkian dark humour to make the film more effective.

Sundance official literature describes it as "a surreal, singular tale" and "a uniques psychological thriller"

The Hollywood Reporter called the film "bizarre and beautiful" while The New York Times review says the film is "odd, darkly funny and when it means to be- a little frightening"