What It’s About:
Edward (Stan) is a New York City- based actor afflicted with neurofibromatosis, which causes facial disfigurement. His lonely life changes when beautiful playwright Ingrid (Reinsve) moves in next door. Soon Edward tries an experimental treatment to cure his condition. Emerging a handsome man, he’s ready for a new beginning. He gets cast in Ingrid’s latest play, alongside the charming, buoyant Oswald (Pearson), who also has neurofibromatosis. Yet Oswald never lets his condition bring him down. Could he become a rival for Ingrid’s affection?
Why We Love It:
More fanciful than realistic, Schimberg’s ingenious film plays like a parable, affirming that what we project from within trumps external appearances, which our society makes us obsess over. Edward thinks that suddenly looking normal will solve his issues, only to be taught a lesson by someone whose joy in life erases his own disfigurement. (Pearson, who’s fabulous, really has this condition). For something completely different, and utterly true, check out this “Man”.