No. 92 A Different Man (2024) 97/100

 

Hot off the press Shannon now as his latest offering comes to the fore. To be honest, it’s a glorified cameo and he’s in a single scene only, but he gets a credit as ‘Himself’, so let’s have a look.

Sebastian Stan a.k.a. ‘The Winter Soldier’ stars as Edward, a man who has severe facial disfigurement. The cause is not mentioned but a childhood photo shows him without the affliction, so it’s safe to assume it’s a disease or genetic problem that’s caused the issue. We watch him struggle through his life with people gasping at his appearance. Things look up however when a new neighbour moves in and they soon hit it off. Edward is however too self-conscious to act on his feelings for Ingrid who is an aspiring playwright.

Edward takes part in a new treatment trial and, as you’d probably guess it’s a roaring success, with his face being transformed overnight into that of heartthrob Stan. This helps Edward get on in life and he renames himself as ‘Guy’ and takes on a real estate job. Things seem to be going well for him but one day he sees a play being produced based on his deformed former self. He wanders into the audition and gets the lead role of Edward and gets to wear a mask of his former face for the role. He also hooks up properly with Ingrid, with her not realising that Guy and Edward are one and the same.

 

Things take a turn however when Oswald shows up at rehearsal. Oswald has the same facial deformity that Edward once had but manages it better with good humour and charm. He has soon supplanted Guy in the production and in Ingrid’s affections. Guy’s life spirals down with him losing his job and then being badly hurt when a set falls on him when he storms the stage of the play which is based on his own former life. 

The play turns out to be a great success with Oswald lauded in the press. A film of the play in the offing and this is when Shannon appears, having been cast in the lead. He jokes he won’t need make up and probes Guy for some character points. Guy's rehabilitation is interrupted however when he stabs his therapist, for an off colour comment about Oswald, and ends up in jail.

 

Years later Oswald and Ingrid encounter Edward and regale him of tales of their great life together. Edward is left to wonder if his transformation was all that he’s hoped for and whether he should have made the best of what he had, just like Oswald has done.

 

I enjoyed this film, but it wasn’t as entertaining as ‘The Substance’ which treads a similar path. Stan was excellent as Edward, and I was surprised to learn that it was him from the start under a heap of make-up. Adam Pearson was great too as the slightly cockney Oswald and Renate Reinsve rounded out what was essentially a fine three hander.

 

The big theme was around identity and society’s attitude to facial deformity, but it wasn’t too preachy or on the nose. I think most people would have taken the cure over the difficult life of disfigurement, but good points were made around making the best out of what you have.

 

The film did near slapstick towards the end with Stan in a full body cast whilst Oswald enjoyed the highlife, but I guess looks aren’t everything. There were a few metaphors thrown in for good measure such as the typewriter that no one wanted, but over all the message was clear in a straightforward and entertaining film that touched some delicate subjects with care and affection.

 

 

When is Shannon-On? –  1.36.42

Outcome?  Presumably seeking out his next role

Film 4/5

Shannon Stars 3.5/5