Aaron Schimberg, the director of “A Different Man,” recently discussed his latest film in an interview with The A.V. Club. The film stars Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson and explores the story of Edward, a man living with neurofibromatosis who undergoes an experimental procedure that changes his appearance.
Schimberg revealed that his inspiration for the film came from his own career and personal experiences with his body. He wanted to work with Adam Pearson again after their collaboration on “Chained For Life” and felt that Pearson’s performance in that film was underrated. Schimberg also wanted to challenge stereotypes about people with facial disfigurements by showcasing a different kind of character on screen.
The director addressed the connection between “Chained For Life” and “A Different Man,” explaining that both films explore themes of marginalization and representation. He wanted to find a way to make a film about disfigurement more palatable without compromising its message, which led him to cast Sebastian Stan as Edward.
Schimberg also discussed how he drew inspiration from watching the movie “Wonder” and exploring the idea of someone who looks like the main character but doesn’t receive any credit for it. This concept influenced the play within ”A Different Man.”
When asked about the aesthetic timelessness of his films, Schimberg explained that it comes from his personal preferences rather than a conscious decision to evoke a specific era. He avoids incorporating visible technology into his films because he wants to focus on storytelling without technological distractions.
Regarding interpretations of “A Different Man” as a parable or moral tale, Schimberg stated that he didn’t intend for it to be seen in those terms. He sees it as an exploration of Edward’s experiences rather than trying to teach any lessons or provide moral guidance.
While Schimberg hopes to explore other subjects in future films, he acknowledges that aspects related to disfigurement will likely continue appearing in his work due to its personal significance for him.
As for his next project, all Schimberg revealed is that it will be a father-daughter story.