A note from Wild Card host Rachel Martin: I appreciate Jesse Eisenberg not just because he’s really good at acting, but because he helps me raise my kids. That may sound unnecessarily provocative, but here’s what I mean: Eisenberg tends to play male characters with deep interior lives. Characters who spend a lot of time feeling things like anxiety, fear, insecurity. They are also big hearted and kind. And on screen, we see Eisenberg’s characters trying to find their place in a world where men are expected to flatten their vulnerabilities and all of their emotions to fit into some antiquated definition of masculinity.
What does this have to do with my kids? Well, I’ve got two boys, they’re 10 and 12, and I very much want for them to turn into young men who are comfortable living through every one of their emotions. And maybe I’m giving Hollywood too much power in my life, but it feels affirming as a parent to see these kinds of male characters on screen.
Cases in point: The Squid and the Whale, The Art of Self-Defense, the show Fleishman is in Trouble. And of course the movie that’s getting a ton of accolades right now — including a best original screenplay and supporting actor nomination at the Oscars — A Real Pain, which Eisenberg wrote and directed. He also co-stars in the film alongside Kieran Culkin.
The trailer for “A Real Pain.”
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This Wild Card interview has been edited for length and clarity. Host Rachel Martin asks guests randomly-selected questions from a deck of cards. Tap play above to listen to the full podcast, or read an excerpt below.
Question 1: What’s a moment when you remember being brave as a teenager?
Jesse Eisenberg: Well, so in my senior year of high school, I kind of came into my own a little bit. I grew up in New Jersey, and in my senior year of high school, I transferred to a performing arts high school in New York City. And it was like I just became, like, an adult overnight going there. But the bravest thing I did was probably cut school one day to go see a Broadway matinee of Judgment at Nuremberg — which maybe tells you enough about me to understand my full personality.
Actor, writer and director Jesse Eisenberg says he has had far more failures than successes.
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My friends and I — we were planning it like a heist at math class in the morning, like, “Yeah, cool I’m gonna meet you at lunch and I think we can get student tickets for the last row mezzanine.” So our big transgression in high school was going to see a Broadway matinee.
I’m sure it would have been the kind of thing if our teachers caught us, they’d be like, “Oh my God, you sweet nerds. Of course. Go. That’s great. I’m giving you an A anyway.”
Question 2: Has ambition ever led you astray?
Eisenberg: I mean, yeah, I think about it all the time. In an attempt for me to stay busy and active I sometimes will push for my things to be done sometimes, even if they’re premature. But I will say, I’m not naturally an ambitious person for myself, but I really am quite a worried person about failing. And so it creates an ambition in me by necessity to just try to stay busy at all times.
Rachel Martin: How have you managed that fear of failure? Because that’s inevitable. I mean you’ve had them, right?
Eisenberg: Yeah. I’ve had far more failures than successes. And my father is a sweet person. He’s a teacher and has such sweet perspectives on my life. So, like, with this movie, A Real Pain, it’s doing well and everything and, you know, there’s a feeling inside of me that this should be the norm and like, “I’m a failure if this is not the norm.”
(L-R) Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg at The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala in January.
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And my dad has kind of a 60,000-foot view or 30,000-foot view – depending on your airline – of what this means. And he tells me things like, “If you have two of these in your career, that’s a cool thing.” A really successful career to have in the arts is to have, like, let’s say two movies that you make that are regarded this nicely.
And so that puts things in perspective, because what it tells me is that this should not be expected to be the norm. And then my friend Jim tells me all the time that if you want a career in the arts, success is basically staying active and busy. The successes are not the one or two things that spike.
Question 3: What is your best defense against despair?
Eisenberg: I married a woman who has the same values as me. I mean, she’s a far better person — she teaches disability social justice and awareness in public schools. And her mom ran a domestic violence shelter for 35 years. So she comes from this kind of world.
And I’m preoccupied with privilege versus struggle and meaning versus emptiness, etc. But the interesting thing that occurs to me, though, is that my wife – she just does something about it. She always just says, “OK, so what are you going to do about it?”
So if I’m, like, feeling miserable, she’s like, “OK, so what are you going to do about it?” Or I’m like, “I feel so bad about what happened to my friend.” She always is just like, “Oh, let’s call him now and try to get him a job. Oh, you know what? I can call my friend. She actually knows somebody who just lost their job here. Maybe they can talk. Maybe they can work together.” There’s not an instinct in her to wallow in it or to, like, make it about herself.
I make it about myself. “Oh God, I feel so guilty.” She’s not even aware that she’s doing something different than me. It’s just the way she’s wired. And so I look to her all the time, and we’ve been together forever.
Martin: I think it’s so lovely that you found each other.
Eisenberg: Oh, I’m lucky. I’m lucky. Because I’m not wired for anything good. She’s wired to do all this good stuff.
Martin: That’s not true. I’ve known you for an hour, and Jesse Eisenberg I don’t think you’re wired to do nothing good.
Eisenberg: No, no, no. I’m a thoughtful person, but it doesn’t lead to, like, you know, benevolent action. She’s just, like, she’s less contemplative than me. She’s just very active and has a good heart.
Jesse Eisenberg’s latest play, ‘A Real Pain,’ has been receiving critical acclaim, but the actor’s dad has a unique perspective on his success. In a recent interview with NPR, Eisenberg shared how his father’s perspective has helped him navigate the highs and lows of his career. Check out the full story here!
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Think of actor Jesse Eisenberg speaking and, well, you’re likely thinking of him nervously hemming and hawing, a ball of anxiety and neuroses. Anxiety is pretty much his brand.
Eisenberg is so curious about answers about his anxiety that he’s apparently turned to AI. In a recent interview, while promoting his Oscar-nominated filmA Real Pain, he said he asked ChatGPT to help him understand why he was so nervous about asking a question while ordering a bagel.
“I asked ChatGPT this morning: ‘Do you think if I had more circumstantially difficult life experiences, do you think I’d be more confident asking for a bagel?’” he said on the NPR show Wild Card. “And ChatGPT said, ‘Well, actually, there is a trove of academic evidence to support what you’re saying, which is like growth through trauma, etc.’”
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Eisenberg went on to explain that he had wondered if pumpernickel was healthier than a regular bagel. He considered asking the folks at the NYC bagel shop but then got anxious because he figured the workers would be too busy. So, naturally, he went to AI to ask if he’d be less anxious if his life had been more difficult.
Eisenberg told NPR: “So then I went to ChatGPT, and I said, ‘Do you think if I suffered an objective trauma, I would have asked if the pumpernickel was healthier?’ And it said, ‘Yeah, maybe.’”
Personally, I wouldn’t put my mental health concerns anywhere near ChatGPT, considering AI’s habit of misinterpreting information or making things up. But at least Eisenberg got some of the answers he was looking for.
In a recent interview, actor Jesse Eisenberg revealed that he turned to ChatGPT to help him understand his anxiety over ordering a bagel. Eisenberg, known for his roles in films like The Social Network and Zombieland, opened up about his struggles with social anxiety and how the AI-powered chatbot provided him with valuable insights.
Eisenberg explained that he often found himself feeling overwhelmed when ordering food, especially something as simple as a bagel. He would worry about making the right choice, saying the right thing, and not inconveniencing the person taking his order. This anxiety would sometimes lead him to avoid certain situations altogether.
However, after using ChatGPT to discuss his feelings and thoughts around ordering a bagel, Eisenberg found that he was able to gain a better understanding of his anxiety. The chatbot offered him a non-judgmental space to express his fears and uncertainties, and helped him recognize patterns in his behavior.
“I never thought that I could find clarity and comfort in a conversation with an AI, but ChatGPT really helped me see things from a different perspective,” Eisenberg said in the interview. “It’s amazing how technology can provide support and insight in unexpected ways.”
Eisenberg’s story serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their background or profession. By seeking help and support, whether through therapy, medication, or innovative tools like ChatGPT, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and live more fulfilling lives.
He’s playing another one in his new film A Real Pain, which he also wrote and directed. The film follows Jesse as a disciplined guy and Kieran Culkin as his laissez-faire cousin taking a trip to Poland. It’s earned rave reviews.
Earlier this month, A Real Painreceivedtwo Oscar nominations. Jesse is up for Best Original Screenplay, while Kieran is competing for Best Supporting Actor.
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images
Jesse stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week to talk about the movie, but one anecdote he shared about his vacation habits…or lack thereof…really caught people’s attention.
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While discussing travel habits, Jimmy asked Jesse if he goes on vacations, which prompted the actor to say, “I don’t like vacations.”
Of course, he explained why. “I feel too guilty to go on a vacation. I have a very good life,” he said, noting that working as a film actor has him feeling “lucky” since he regularly travels for work.
As a result, he isn’t prone to laid-back vacations. “I can’t do that because I’m riddled with guilt,” he said.
He noted his vacation habits are more in line with that of his and Kieran’s A Real Pain characters who traveled to Poland for a Holocaust tour. “Those are the travels I do,” he said, using his last two vacations as an example. One was to a concentration camp in Austria, and the other was with his family to Timisoara, Romania, which is where the 1989 Communist revolutions began.
“That’s the only time I could go on vacation and not hate myself,” he said of the Romanian trip.
Jesse later admitted he hasn’t told his son about Disney World. “I went to Disneyland during his lifetime without him,” he said. “I was doing something in Shanghai, and they took me to Shanghai Disney. I told him about it and he said, ‘It sounded interesting, but when are we going back to Rwanda?’”
The interview moment went viral on the late-night show’s TikTok page, garnering nearly 2 million views. In the comments, people were amused by Jesse’s self-deprecating humor about his stress.
“He is the personification of anxiety ,” one person wrote.
“i feel his anxiety through the phone,” another said.
Someone even noted he should’ve voiced Anxiety in Inside Out 2, which would have been genius casting.
Someone saw their own anxiety in Jesse, commenting, “I’ve never seen someone as anxious as me.”
And another summed up the moment best, saying, “As nervous as he looks, he is actually hilarious.” Because if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?
You can watch the clip on TikTok and read all the great comments here.
In a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel, actor Jesse Eisenberg revealed an unusual reason why he feels guilty taking vacations. Nearly 2 million people tuned in to watch as Eisenberg explained his unique perspective on taking time off.
During the interview, Eisenberg shared that he feels guilty about taking vacations because he enjoys his work so much. He explained that he feels privileged to be able to do what he loves for a living and feels guilty when he takes time away from it.
Eisenberg’s candid confession struck a chord with viewers, many of whom could relate to feeling guilty about taking time off from work. The interview sparked a conversation about work-life balance and the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Fans of Eisenberg praised his honesty and vulnerability in discussing his feelings about vacations. Many commented on how refreshing it was to hear a celebrity speak openly about their struggles with guilt and workaholism.
Overall, Eisenberg’s interview with Kimmel resonated with viewers and sparked a thoughtful discussion about the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing self-care. Nearly 2 million people watched as Eisenberg shared his personal perspective on guilt and vacations, proving that his candidness struck a chord with audiences.
We’ll tell you up front: Actor-director Jesse Eisenberg, who says he can appreciate a good Jewish deli, is a different kind of movie star. We joined him last week at the legendary Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, and shared some chocolate babka, with a dill pickle chaser. “This is the real test,” Eisenberg said.
I’ll have what she’s having: Jesse Eisenberg and correspondent Tracy Smith share chocolate babka and pickles, at Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles.
CBS News
It was a little unusual, but for Eisenberg, it’d already been a pretty unusual day. Just a few hours earlier, he received his second Oscar nomination, this time for best original screenplay.
And he was mortified.
I asked, “Are you able to enjoy moments like this?”
“No, I’m not really wired to enjoy praise,” he replied. “I don’t know why. I think it just, like, I don’t know, triggers some guilt response in my brain and I try to find something to be miserable about. But I’ll tell you what I do love: I love actually doing my job. Like, I feel so lucky that I found something I like to do.”
At the moment, his job is to promote the film he wrote, directed and starred in, “A Real Pain,” co-starring Kieran Culkin. The film is about two cousins who travel to Poland to see their ancestral home, and visit the actual home of their late grandmother, who barely survived the Holocaust.
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg star in “A Real Pain.”
Searchlight Pictures
The film started out as a buddy movie about a trip to Mongolia. As he was writing the script, Eisenberg got stuck, until inspiration literally popped up on his computer. “I was, like, 30 pages into the script and something was missing,” he said. “I knew the script was not going well. And so, I’m, like, kind of, like, banging my head against the keyboard. And an ad pops up online for ‘Auschwitz tours.’ And then in parentheses, ‘with lunch.’ And I was like, ‘Auschwitz tours (with lunch)?’ That’s, like, the strangest pairing of four words I’ve ever seen. And once I saw that, and once I read that brochure, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s the movie. That is so interesting,’ because I was trying to deal with these two characters who are both kind of, like, in pain in their own ways.”
“Dude, we are Jews on a train in Poland, ******* think about it. … Does no one else see the irony here? Like, eating fancy food and sitting up here, when 80 years ago we would’ve been herded into the backs of these ******* things like cattle?”
Watch a scene with Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin in “A Real Pain” [Warning: Graphic language]
Eisenberg has had those same thoughts. He is himself of Polish lineage, and he has relatives who were victims of the Holocaust. “I come from a family who survived the war; a lot of, you know, cousins, aunts, and uncles who didn’t,” he said. “And yet, I walk around New York City, like, kind of miserable. Like, I’m not, like, a happy person. I’m not asking for pity or anything; I’m just recognizing objectively, like, I’m not a happy person. And yet, I come from people who survived through miracles. Intellectually, I think I should be waking up every morning kissing the dirt that I’m here by virtue of a thousand miracles. And instead, I walk around, I’m like, Oh my God. What am I gonna do today? Oh my God. I shouldn’t drink a coffee ’cause then I’ll peak at noon.
“And so, I’m constantly trying to reconcile my fortunate life with how I feel about things, and my forebears’ very unfortunate lives and how they appreciated things. And that’s what this movie is kind of focusing on.”
It seems he’s been feeling that same kind of anxiety all of his life. Raised in New Jersey, Jesse Eisenberg was, by his own admission, a “sad kid” who was uncomfortable at school, and took refuge in acting. By 2010 he’d made a name for himself in Hollywood, with roles like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network.” The part earned him an Oscar nod, and the juice to branch out into writing and directing.
But when COVID shut down the film industry in 2020, Eisenberg and his wife, Anna Strout, moved back to her native Indiana, and spent their days volunteering at her mom’s domestic violence shelter in Bloomington. “I was just volunteering every day at the shelter,” he said. “It sounds weird to say this, and I don’t mean this for any kind of – it was, like, the happiest time of my life. I was painting walls and fixing garbage disposals. And I just loved it so much. I loved being able to, like, accomplish something where there was no, like, critique of it, you know what I mean?”
“It makes total sense,” I said. “You fix the garbage disposal, the garbage disposal’s fixed. End of it.”
“Exactly.”
But of all the roles he’s played, on-screen and off-, he says the confident illusionist in the “Now You See Me” franchise is the most challenging, because it’s absolutely nothing like him. “We just did the third ‘Now You See Me,’ and it’s such a blast,” he said. “And it’s such a challenge, because I’m doing something that’s, like, the exact opposite of my psychology. It’s the only time I ever walk away thinking, ‘I did a good job today.’ But that’s because my character thinks that they’re doing well. And yes, they’re Hollywood movies, and they’re really fun. But, like, for me, it’s been a kind of like a therapy.”
“Does that confidence linger at all past the shoots?” I asked.
“Yes, normally it will linger through dinner,” he replied. “Once I get on set and I’m in those clothes, and I’m speaking in the way they’ve written for me … I stand up straighter. I’m, like, an inch taller. It’s amazing. I can make eye contact with my father!”
You’d think the success of “A Real Pain” would give Eisenberg some swagger. His movie also snagged Culkin an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. But like the babka and pickles at Canter’s, Eisenberg can’t seem to enjoy the sweet without just a little bit of sour.
I asked, “Is there a part of you that finds this whole experience, with the way that ‘A Real Pain’ has been received, kind of unreal? That at some moment you’re gonna wake up?”
“Oh, yeah, I assume a piano is gonna fall on my head every day,” Eisenberg said. “Because I feel like, I am so lucky. And, like, the way my mind does equations is that this lucky thing must mean this horrible upcoming thing. And so, yes, I’m not walking under any air conditioners in New York City. I don’t know how to think about it any other way. And that’s really unfortunate, but true!”
Tracy Smith is an award-winning correspondent for “CBS News Sunday Morning” and “48 Hours,” who joined CBS News in 2000. Smith has covered a wide range of subjects, producing revealing interviews with news-making artists to moving, in-depth reporting.
Jesse Eisenberg on the bitter and sweet of “A Real Pain”
In a recent interview, actor Jesse Eisenberg opened up about his experience working on the film “A Real Pain” and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. Eisenberg, known for his intense and nuanced performances, delved deep into the complexities of his character and the challenges he faced while filming.
Describing the film as both a “bitter and sweet” experience, Eisenberg revealed that the dark subject matter and intense scenes took a toll on him emotionally. “It was a real challenge to dive into the darkness of my character and explore the painful emotions he was going through,” he said. “But at the same time, there was a sense of catharsis in being able to fully embody and express those emotions on screen.”
Eisenberg also spoke about the camaraderie and support he received from his fellow cast and crew members during filming, which helped him navigate the difficult moments. “It was a true team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible talent and dedication of everyone involved,” he added.
Despite the challenges he faced, Eisenberg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on such a powerful and thought-provoking project. “At the end of the day, I’m proud of the work we did and the impact it will have on audiences,” he said. “It may have been a real pain to film, but it was also a deeply rewarding and fulfilling experience.”
“A Real Pain” is set to premiere later this year, and fans can expect to see Eisenberg deliver a raw and unforgettable performance that will leave a lasting impression.
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Jesse Eisenberg is the guest on the latest episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. The 41-year-old actor, writer and director is best known for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s 2010 masterpiece The Social Network. Fourteen years after receiving an best actor Oscar nomination for that performance, the former child actor is an Oscar nominee again, this time for the original screenplay that he wrote for a 2024 film that he also directed and stars in, A Real Pain.
The semi-autobiographical drama is about two very different cousins — one “successful” but anxious, played by him, the other struggling but charming, played by Kieran Culkin — who travel together to Poland to pay tribute to their beloved late grandmother. It premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where Eisenberg was recognized with the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and at which its U.S. distribution rights were acquired for $10 million by Searchlight, which released it on Nov. 1, 2024. It has since garnered rave reviews — it’s at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes — and has grossed $16.4 million worldwide.
Over the course of a conversation at the Los Angeles offices of The Hollywood Reporter, Eisenberg reflected on how a shy and socially-awkward kid wound up on the stage and the screen in the first place, in films such as 2002’s Roger Dodger, 2005’s The Squid and the Whale and 2009’s Adventureland; what led him to begin writing, even as his acting career took off thanks to the commercial success of 2009’s Zombieland and 2010’s The Social Network, and why he shifted from penning scripts in the mold of Adam Sandler comedies to more personal material; how A Real Pain — the second feature that he wrote and directed, after 2022’s When You Finish Saving the World — essentially brings together ideas he first explored in other pieces that he wrote years ago; plus much more.
Jesse Eisenberg on ‘A Real Pain’
In a recent interview, actor Jesse Eisenberg opened up about his experience filming his latest movie, ‘A Real Pain’. The film, which follows the journey of a man suffering from chronic pain, required Eisenberg to delve deep into the emotional and physical struggles of his character.
Eisenberg revealed that the role was one of the most challenging he has ever taken on, as he had to truly empathize with the daily struggles of those living with chronic pain. He spoke about the intense research he conducted to understand the psychological toll that constant pain can have on a person, and how he worked closely with medical professionals to accurately portray the character’s journey.
The actor also shared that filming ‘A Real Pain’ was a deeply emotional experience for him, as he had to tap into his own vulnerabilities to authentically convey the pain and frustration his character was feeling. Eisenberg expressed his admiration for those who live with chronic pain every day, and the resilience they show in the face of such adversity.
Overall, Eisenberg hopes that ‘A Real Pain’ will shed light on the often overlooked struggles of those living with chronic pain, and spark important conversations about empathy and understanding. The film is set to be released later this year, and Eisenberg’s powerful performance is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
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Credit: Searchlight Pictures
I really wanted to see A Real Pain, a film one of my colleagues said was somehow the saddest and funniest movie of 2024. I had screening invites, and the movie showed in my town for several weeks, so I had no excuse. My delay changed upon discovering I could watch the dramedy with my Hulu subscription. And while I thoroughly enjoyed (both laughed and cried) watching two estranged cousins reconnect on a journey through Poland to see where their recently deceased grandmother grew up, there’s one thing that’s bothered me since.
I don’t think Jesse Eisenberg is getting enough love for his work in the film. Yeah, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, but I feel like his performance is being largely overshadowed by Kieran Culkin’s highly decorated role. I guess what I’m saying is that I really need to talk this out…
Credit: Searchlight Pictures
Don’t Get Me Wrong, Kieran Culkin’s Performance Is A Tour De Force
Before I get started, I think Kieran Culkin winning a Golden Globe and being nominated for an Oscar (as well as numerous other awards) for his portrayal of the outspoken and free-spirited Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain is warranted. The performance, which some would argue is the film’s lead, is an absolute tour de force that reminds me so much of several of my own family members and friends.
Electric, dynamic, charismatic, and pained are some of the words that came to mind when I was watching the movie on Hulu a few weeks ago, and I am still blown away by just how captivating of a performance the Succession alum was able to pull off. I constantly found myself being amazed by Culkin’s great comedic timing in one scene and then incredible rawness and depth in the next. It was honestly one of the realest things I’ve seen in a movie in a very long time.
Credit: Topic Studios
It’s Just That Jesse Eisenberg’s Performance Isn’t Getting Talked About Nearly Enough
Like The Big Lebowski, Tombstone, and Jurassic Park before it, A Real Pain is one of those movies where the audience ends up loving a side character more than the main, for better or worse. And I honestly think that this is leading to Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of the more reserved and emotionally restrained David Kaplan not being talked about nearly enough.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say Eisenberg was snubbed in the Best Actor category at the Academy Awards, but his highly personal performance is simply overshadowed by the chaotic and scene-stealing showing by Culkin throughout the movie. His writing and directing are receiving praise, but it’s a bummer that Eisenberg’s actual acting in the movie is somewhat being treated as an afterthought.
Credit: Searchlight Pictures
If Anything, I Thought David Kaplan Was The Most Relatable Character In A Real Pain
There were times throughout when I really connected with Benji and his lack of social graces and inability to simply let things go, but for the most part, I thought David was the most relatable character in the entire movie. David always felt like he was on the verge of a full-blown panic attack, except for a few brief moments when he would finally allow himself to relax and enjoy what life was throwing at him, and I often feel like I’m bouncing back and forth on the same path.
Eisenberg’s ability to play a character who is willing to sacrifice so much of himself to please those around him and keep the peace (to the detriment of his own mental health) while also contemplating his own past, present, and future, is something to behold. It’s taxing, that’s for sure, but the balance and realness found in his performance is something I haven’t been able to stop thinking about in the days and weeks since the credits rolled.
Credit: Searchlight Pictures
And The Scene Where He Breaks Down At Dinner Is Some Of Eisenberg’s Best Stuff
I could go on and on about the richness and magic of the biggest scenes here, but the moment that sticks out the most to me is the group dinner. Shortly before the one-hour mark, Benji goes on another of his outspoken outbursts and becomes confrontational with their tour group before storming off. With his cousin out of the picture, David opens up about their complicated relationship, his own mental health, and not wanting to be a burden on anyone.
The camera is primarily focused on Eisenberg throughout this extensive scene, and it’s just pure magic. Up there with his character’s rant at the opening of The Social Network, the talented actor goes on a spiel, saying things like “I know that my pain is unexceptional so I don’t feel the need to like burden everybody with it,” when talking about not sharing too much with others,” and “I love him, I hate him, I want to kill him, and I want to be him” when discussing his cousin.
It’s magnificent, but also maddening because we won’t get to hear that speech in a clip played during the Best Actor nominees at the Oscars in March.
Credit: Searchlight Pictures
But At Least He’s Getting Some Recognition For His A Real Pain Screenplay
Jesse Eisenberg made his directorial debut with 2022’s When You Finish Saving The World, but it was A Real Pain that put him in the category of great actors who became directors. Though the multi-talented star didn’t receive a Best Actor nod at the Oscars, and is left out in the cold in the Best Director category (along with the snubbed Edward Berger), he’s at least getting some recognition for his screenwriting capabilities.
A Real Pain is up for one of the biggest races of the night, but it’s also one of the upcoming award show’s most competitive categories. Anora (Sean Baker), The Brutalist (Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold), September 5 (Moritz Binder and Tim Fehlbaum; co-written with Alex David), and The Substance (Coralie Fargeat) also have a rightful claim when it comes to Best Original Screenplay, but I would love for Eisenberg’s personal and relatable story to win it.
All in all, I think Jesse Eisenberg is being seriously overlooked and overshadowed when it comes to his role in A Real Pain. Hopefully, the Academy Awards will put some respect on his name by awarding him the Best Original Screenplay Oscar when the ceremony airs in early March.
I Finally Watched A Real Pain, And I Think Jesse Eisenberg’s Performance Is Being Overlooked
I recently had the chance to watch the film A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg, and I have to say, I was blown away by his performance. Eisenberg has always been known for his incredible acting chops, but in this film, he truly shines.
A Real Pain follows the story of a man who is struggling with chronic pain and the toll it takes on his life. Eisenberg plays the lead role with such raw emotion and vulnerability that it’s hard not to be moved by his performance. He perfectly captures the physical and emotional anguish that his character is experiencing, and it’s impossible not to empathize with him.
Despite his incredible work in the film, I feel like Eisenberg’s performance is not getting the recognition it deserves. While the film itself may not be a blockbuster hit, his portrayal of the main character is truly outstanding and deserving of awards recognition.
If you’re a fan of Eisenberg’s work or just enjoy powerful performances, I highly recommend checking out A Real Pain. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and Jesse Eisenberg’s performance is definitely one to remember.
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Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain, film review, overlooked performance, movie analysis, actor spotlight, film critique, Jesse Eisenberg performance, underrated actor, film industry, movie review, cinematic analysis
Jesse Eisenberg is the guest on the latest episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. The 41-year-old actor, writer and director is best known for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s 2010 masterpiece The Social Network. Fourteen years after receiving an best actor Oscar nomination for that performance, the former child actor is an Oscar nominee again, this time for the original screenplay that he wrote for a 2024 film that he also directed and stars in, A Real Pain.
The semi-autobiographical drama is about two very different cousins — one “successful” but anxious, played by him, the other struggling but charming, played by Kieran Culkin — who travel together to Poland to pay tribute to their beloved late grandmother. It premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where Eisenberg was recognized with the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and at which its U.S. distribution rights were acquired for $10 million by Searchlight, which released it on Nov. 1, 2024. It has since garnered rave reviews — it’s at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes — and has grossed $16.4 million worldwide.
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Over the course of a conversation at the Los Angeles offices of The Hollywood Reporter, Eisenberg reflected on how a shy and socially-awkward kid wound up on the stage and the screen in the first place, in films such as 2002’s Roger Dodger, 2005’s The Squid and the Whale and 2009’s Adventureland; what led him to begin writing, even as his acting career took off thanks to the commercial success of 2009’s Zombieland and 2010’s The Social Network, and why he shifted from penning scripts in the mold of Adam Sandler comedies to more personal material; how A Real Pain — the second feature that he wrote and directed, after 2022’s When You Finish Saving the World — essentially brings together ideas he first explored in other pieces that he wrote years ago; plus much more.
In a recent interview, Jesse Eisenberg opened up about the challenges of playing complex characters, the difference between acting and writing, and his thoughts on the evolution of Mark Zuckerberg in the upcoming film “The Social Network 2.0.”
Eisenberg, known for his intense and nuanced performances, described the process of getting into character as “a real pain.” He explained that he often immerses himself in the mindset of his characters, which can be emotionally draining. However, he also expressed a deep love for the craft of acting and the opportunity to inhabit different personas on screen.
When asked about his experience as a writer, Eisenberg emphasized the distinct challenges that come with writing compared to acting. He noted that while both require creativity and storytelling skills, writing often involves more solitary work and a different kind of discipline. Despite these differences, Eisenberg revealed that he enjoys both pursuits and finds fulfillment in expressing himself through multiple artistic mediums.
One of Eisenberg’s most famous roles was portraying Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the original “The Social Network” film. Now, with a sequel in the works, Eisenberg shared his excitement for revisiting the character and exploring how Zuckerberg has evolved over the years. He hinted at a more mature and introspective portrayal of the tech mogul, suggesting that audiences can expect to see a new side of Zuckerberg in the upcoming film.
Overall, Eisenberg’s reflections on acting, writing, and his upcoming projects offer insight into his passion for storytelling and his dedication to his craft. Fans can look forward to seeing him tackle new challenges and bring fresh perspectives to the characters he embodies on screen.
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The hit TV show, which returns with its winter premiere episode tonight at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, has been in production for the past few days in Venice, Italy.
Carter Redwood was seen filming in the area a day later on Saturday (January 25).
On Monday (January 27), the cast was seen filming on the terrace of the Gritti Palace in the city. Eva Jane Willis was also seen on the set.
Cameron Vo actor Vinessa recently talked to Collider about the show’s return: “That is going to be an epic episode. I mean, a manhunt in Paris? That’s pretty awesome. And it’s almost like a three-parter: It was from Episode 1 to Episode 8 to Episode 9. You get to follow a really big story, and I like that.”
As for her fate on the show? “You will just have to watch. Our viewership is devoted, they’re invested, and that’s really nice to see. Because sometimes I wonder, ‘Do they feel connected to Vo enough? Are there scenes that allow people to see her in a different light, and not just a bad a–?’ So that’s really cool to know that they do,” she told TV Line.
300+ photos from the set of FBI: International inside…
FBI: International Cast Films Scenes in Venice, Italy – Every Photo From the Set!
The cast of FBI: International has taken their crime-fighting skills to the beautiful city of Venice, Italy for some exciting new episodes. Carter Redwood, Eva-Jane Willis, Jesse Lee Soffer, and Vinessa Vidotto were spotted filming on location, and we’ve got all the behind-the-scenes photos for you.
From action-packed car chases to intense interrogations, the cast was hard at work bringing the international crime drama to life. Carter Redwood looked suave in a tailored suit, while Eva-Jane Willis exuded confidence as she commanded the scene. Jesse Lee Soffer and Vinessa Vidotto brought their A-game as they tackled their roles with skill and precision.
The stunning backdrop of Venice added an extra layer of intrigue to the scenes, with the iconic canals and historic buildings providing the perfect setting for the high-stakes drama. The cast and crew were seen working tirelessly to capture every moment, ensuring that fans will be on the edge of their seats when the episodes air.
Check out the photos below to get a sneak peek of the action on set, and get ready for the thrilling new season of FBI: International. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes gossip from your favorite celebrity news source, Just Jared.
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The Rangers announced that they have signed right-hander Jesse Chavez and outfielder Cody Thomas to minor league deals. They also announces previously-reported pacts for righty David Buchanan and catcher Chad Wallach. Chavez is represented by Apex Baseball and Thomas by Octagon. Both of them will be in big league camp as non-roster invitees.
Chavez, 41, has already written a lengthy baseball story. He debuted in the big leagues back in 2008 and has appeared in each season since then, suiting up for nine different clubs, having multiple stints with many of them.
That includes the Rangers. Chavez was drafted by Texas way back in 2002, but was traded to the Pirates prior to making it to the majors. He eventually found his way back to the Rangers, signing with them going into 2018, though he was traded to the Cubs that summer. Going into 2019, he came back to Texas yet again, signing a two-year deal at that time.
Despite his age, he has proven himself still capable of getting major league hitters out. He spent 2024 with Atlanta and tossed 63 1/3 innings over 46 appearances. He allowed 3.13 earned runs per nine frames, though there may have been a bit of luck there. His 20.8% strikeout rate was subpar but his .279 batting average on balls in play and 80.3% strand rate were both on the fortunate side, which is why his 4.43 FIP and 3.81 SIERA were higher than his ERA.
There’s no real harm in the Rangers bringing aboard an old friend via a minor league deal. The club has been trying to remake its bullpen while dealing with some notable financial restraints. Kirby Yates, David Robertson, José Leclerc and Andrew Chafin all hit free agency after last year, but the club has been a bit frugal in replacing them since it seems they want to stay under the competitive balance tax.
They acquired Robert Garcia, who has not yet qualified for arbitration, in the Nathaniel Lowe trade. They’ve also given one-year pacts to Chris Martin, Jacob Webb, Shawn Armstrong, and Hoby Milner, with no one in that group getting more than $5.5MM. It’s unclear what kind of salary Chavez would make if selected to the big league roster, but it’s likely not huge, so he provides the club with yet another modestly-priced addition to the relief group.
Thomas, 30, got into 29 games with the Athletics over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He hit .250/.308/.333 in those but was outrighted off the roster and became a free agent going into 2024. He headed to Asia last year to play for the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. He went hitless in 18 at-bats and was mostly kept on the farm by the Buffaloes, slashing .263/.335/.324 in 79 games in the minors.
The Texas Rangers have added two new players to their organization, signing pitcher Jesse Chavez and outfielder Cody Thomas to minor league deals.
Chavez, a veteran right-handed pitcher, brings a wealth of experience to the Rangers after spending 13 seasons in the majors with multiple teams. The 38-year-old has a career 4.52 ERA and has proven to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen or in the starting rotation.
Thomas, a former Oklahoma quarterback turned outfielder, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 and has shown promise in the minor leagues. The 27-year-old brings power and athleticism to the Rangers’ farm system and could be a valuable asset in the future.
Both Chavez and Thomas will provide depth and competition in the Rangers’ minor league system, and could potentially contribute at the major league level in the future. Fans will be eager to see how these new signings fare as they work their way through the Rangers’ organization.
Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? – Hardcover By Carlstrom, Nancy White – GOOD
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Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? – Hardcover By Carlstrom, Nancy White – GOOD
Looking for a sweet and whimsical children’s book to add to your little one’s collection? Look no further than “Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?” by Nancy White Carlstrom. This charming hardcover book follows the adventures of Jesse Bear as he decides what to wear for various activities throughout his day.
With delightful illustrations and a playful rhyming text, this book is sure to captivate young readers and spark their imaginations. Join Jesse Bear as he chooses his outfit for playing in the snow, going to the beach, and everything in between.
Perfect for bedtime reading or storytime with your little one, “Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?” is a timeless classic that will be treasured for years to come. Pick up a copy today and enjoy the magic of Jesse Bear’s world!
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