By Linda and Al Lerner
Talk about a different kind of Black Comedy! Unrecognizable, Sebastian Stan takes on the difficult role as the emotional and physical persona of an aspiring actor with a severe physical disability. The tables are turned when, as Edward, he goes through a disturbing experimental procedure to treat the condition and normalize his appearance. As a result, he loses getting cast in the role based on himself that goes to another actor who has the same physical disfigurement, Oswald (Adam Pearson).
Watch our interview above with Adam Pearson when the film was screened at Sundance Chicago.
Writer/Director Aaron Schimberg worked with Pearson, who actually has NF, on a film called “Chained for Life” and was inspired to write this film specifically for him. Schimberg empathized because he had cleft lip and palate which made him self-conscious growing up and would not have made this film without Pearson agreeing to be cast in it. He loves acting, which he has done before, including in “Under the Skin” (2013) with Scarlett Johansson.
Sebastian Stan’s character, Edward, has the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis (NF) which causes benign tumors to grow on nerve cells on the skin and within the body. Stan sports facial prosthetics which distort his appearance. Embarrassed and frustrated with the way people stare and tease him because of his facial disfigurement, he agrees to go through a risky medical process which Writer/Director Aaron Schimberg shows in detail. Cinematographer Wyatt Garfield shot this film in 16mm which has a particular look. Edward becomes a man with a movie star face, yes, Sebastian Stan himself. (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Apprentice)
Stan has buyer’s remorse after the transformation and begins a downward spiral when Oswald steals his part and his love interest. Before Edward goes through the experimental procedure, he meets and befriends his new neighbor, Ingrid, (Norwegian actress, Renate Reinsve, The Worst Person in the World). This is her first English language role. She is animated, positive and receptive. Even though some may be put off by his looks, she is not. Ingrid is attracted to him and his exotic appearance.
Pearson is a scene stealer in this film. He is a charming and fascinating man besides being a very good actor. He is personality plus and inspiring as you can see in his Ted Talks about his physical appearance and all the things he loves to do in life. He is close to family, has many friends, has jumped out of an airplane, gone bungee jumping, and fire walking. Pearson is a pro-wrestling fan, sings and plays saxophone, (although he says not well) and for the first time, got to play fight scenes with Stan in this film.
After the procedure, when Edward is no longer physically disabled, he is never really comfortable in his new skin. His relationships change drastically. He just wants to be able to play himself, and be himself, again. Stan is exceptional projecting what it’s like to live with disfigurement. Pearson is excellent as his rival. Schimberg, Stan, Pearson and Reinsve capture this different man with sensitivity, dark humor, and compelling characterizations, embodied well in the warning, “Be Careful What You Wish For.”
A24 1 Hour 52 Minutes R
