“A Different Man” is a darkly comic psychological film nominated for an Oscar this year and the latest in our review series. However, unlike most of our other featured Oscar nominees, this nod is for “Best Makeup and Hairstyling,” and that work is pivotal to the movie’s success.
Writer and director Aaron Schimberg takes us on this personal journey. It is the story of a disfigured individual who struggles immensely with morale, social interaction and self-acceptance. In what he hopes will fix all of that, “Edward” (played by Sebastian Stan) undergoes a new and risky procedure that will change his appearance forever. But when it’s all said and done, is an appearance change the true answer to his issues?
“A Different Man” (2024) Review: Makeup/Hairstyling Oscar Nominee
More Than a Film, a Message
Before we begin here, I’d like to point out that while I enjoyed this movie, I didn’t love it as a whole. I completely understand its meaning, and I can appreciate it from that standpoint. It carries an important message, and I applaud Schimberg for bringing it to light for the world to see. In a world where social acceptance is sought after and yearned for, he helps us imagine having a disfigured condition and the magnitude of that.
Too Slow for Its Own Good?
The movie was very sluggish, and the pacing did not seem to fit. “A Different Man” starts at its slowest and then speeds up once Edward begins his procedure. However, it then slows down afterward, and I’m just not sure the back-and-forth pace change suits it. There’s a sweet spot that lasts about 30 minutes where I liked what was happening and the rate at which it happened. At that point, I found a mixture of genres very interesting. You get the drama, but then Schimberg sprinkles in some thriller aspects and body horror. Had the film stuck with that, I’d be giving it a much higher rating than three out of five stars.
Carried by the Faces of the Film
The acting of Sebastian Stan and company was indeed good. Stan was on a tear in 2024, and it shows. He completely transforms in this role (both literally and figuratively) and it was a great showing from him. Adam Pearson, portraying “Oswald,” is the underlying star here, though. From the moment he pops on screen, he shines through like a star that has been stuck behind a cloud in the sky. He’s genuinely funny, charismatic and heartfelt. He portrays a man who unintentionally comes for Edward’s role in a play. While Oswald searches for friendship and acceptance from the main character, the only thing Edward finds is jealousy and hatred. Each of Stan and Pearson turned in great performances.
Tough Competition in Its Category
The film is nominated for “Best Makeup and Hairstyling” at this year’s Oscars, and it no doubt faces some serious competition. But what they were able to accomplish with how Stan’s character looked before the procedure and how it changed is truly impressive. So impressive that I truthfully thought Stan’s character was, in fact, Adam Pearson. That’s how realistic it was. The film has a chance to win, but I don’t think it’s a very high percentage.
There is an important message within a movie that didn’t get a ton of publicity and marketing. But it’s again a win for A24 Studios, which continues to pump out quality films at a rate that most smaller studios can only dream of. They continue to impress me and might be at the top of the game right now in Hollywood.
“A Different Man” was good, but it just wasn’t 100% for me.
“Oh my friend, you haven’t changed a bit.” – Oswald
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