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.”
YouTube
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.
Gareth Cattermole/Contour by Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Gareth Cattermole/Contour by Getty Images
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.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for National Board/Getty Images North America
hide caption
toggle caption
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for National Board/Getty Images North America
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!
Tags:
Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain, acclaim, NPR, Jesse Eisenberg interview, father’s perspective, movie review, award-winning film, Hollywood actor, father-son relationship
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.
Tags:
Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain, bitter sweet, film review, actor interview, behind the scenes, movie analysis, Hollywood news, celebrity interview, Jesse Eisenberg interview, movie critique, film industry insights
A Real Pain is now available to watch on streaming platforms. You can enjoy the movie from the comfort of your home, as it is also available for purchase on digital platforms.
Another exciting piece of news is that the film will be available to stream for Hulu subscribers starting on January 16. Additionally, the movie will be released on Blu-ray on February 4 and is already available for pre-order on Amazon.
For those who may not know, the movie in question is directed by Jesse Eisenberg, the actor from The Social Network. Interestingly, the film won four Golden Globe Awards this year.
The film earned Kieran Culkin a Golden Globe in the category of Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. Meanwhile, A Real Pain also won awards for Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, Screenplay of a Motion Picture, and Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Film.
In the film, Jesse Eisenberg and the actor from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World play the roles of two cousins who live in New York and are Jewish. They travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother, who once lived there before the Holocaust.
When it comes to the characters portrayed by the two stars, Jesse Eisenberg plays the role of David, a buttoned-up neurotic who is on OCD medication. On the other hand, Kieran Culkin’s character, Benji, is a charming yet aimless individual with no real prospects in life, though his sharp wit and hilarious commentary make him stand out.
The two cousins explore a great deal on their journey. They visit a concentration camp, confront a moment involving a suicide attempt, and grapple with the weighty question of how their personal pain compares to the immense suffering endured by their ancestors during the harrowing days of the Holocaust.
Are you itching to watch this year’s Golden Globe winner but don’t have access to cable or a streaming service that carries the award show? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some options on where to watch the event online.
One of the best ways to catch the Golden Globe winner is by streaming it live on the NBC website or app. You can also sign up for a free trial of Hulu + Live TV, which includes access to NBC and other major networks that typically air the award show.
If you prefer to watch on-demand, you can rent or purchase the Golden Globe winner on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play. This way, you can watch it at your own convenience without worrying about missing any of the action.
No matter how you choose to watch, make sure to grab some popcorn and get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and of course, celebrating the best in film and television.
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.
Tags:
Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain interview, Jesse Eisenberg interview, Jesse Eisenberg on pain, Jesse Eisenberg latest news, Jesse Eisenberg movies, celebrity interviews, actor Jesse Eisenberg
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
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.
Tags:
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
Recently nominated for two Academy Awards—Best Original Screenplay for writer, director, actor and producer Jesse Eisenberg and Best Supporting Actor for Kieran Culkin—“A Real Pain” follows two cousins on a Holocaust tour of Poland in the wake of their grandmother’s passing. The film is intimate, funny, melancholic and also incredibly sad; at its core it is, as the title tells us, an exploration of pain.
Though other characters flit in and out as necessary, all the film’s attention is spent on fleshing out the relationship between our two leads. David (Eisenberg) is described by Manohla Dargis, chief film critic for The New York Times, as “fidgety” and “outwardly ordinary,” which I think sums up his character nicely. If you’re familiar with Eisenberg’s performance as Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 drama “The Social Network,” you won’t find David a much different character—although he is considerably nicer than Zuckerberg. His cousin Benji (Culkin) is David’s total opposite—he’s charming, extroverted and also incredibly volatile, switching his mood at the drop of a hat. When Benji decides that he’s not enjoying himself anymore, he’s going to make sure everyone around him knows it. The two subtly (and not so subtly) clash over the course of the film, with Benji annoyed by David’s soulless corporate attitude and David upset by the lack of structure in Benji’s life.
After landing in Warsaw, the pair meet up with the other members of what Benji calls their “geriatric tour” group. Everyone in the group is Jewish and has some kind of personal connection to the Holocaust—Benji and David’s is through their grandmother, who David says survived through “a thousand miracles”—except for their guide James (Will Sharpe), who is a scholar fascinated by the period. As the group explores Warsaw, the Polish countryside and finally Lublin, we see Benji dazzle the group with his infectious excitement, and then just as quickly drag it down with a series of unexplained outbursts. First it is the train ride, where the group rides first class and Benji cannot reconcile that luxury with how Jewish people were treated in Poland a century ago. Then it is a cemetery where he decides he can’t listen to James’ “constant barrage of stats” anymore. Finally, at dinner, after an awkward conversation about the cousins’ late grandmother, Benji gets up to use the bathroom and David reveals to the group that six months ago his cousin tried to overdose on a bottle of sleeping pills.
The meaning and worth of Benji’s personal pain alongside that of David, their Jewish ancestors and really, everyone in the world, is the question Eisenberg explores throughout the film (but never really answers). Benji is obviously emotionally tormented, but as David puts it, he’s far from the only person suffering, and burdening everyone else with his pain is hardly fair. “I mean, look at what happened to our families. Look at where we came from … I know that my pain is unexceptional,” he says to the group, who nod in agreement.
What is most interesting about “A Real Pain,” at least to me, is that even in light of these heavy themes the film also has a real levity to it. Much of the movie is genuinely funny. After Benji makes a scene on the train, James remarks in a deadpan, “Obviously, there are triggers along the way with this tour. I must say the train is not normally one of them … ” It doesn’t necessarily translate well on paper, but his concerned yet surprised tone made me laugh out loud as I was watching. The score is all Frédéric Chopin, very light and breezy, and even the film’s color grading skews warm. All these contrasting elements combine to make a single emotionally charged and poignant movie that’s likely to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
If you’re interested in watching “A Real Pain,” it is currently streaming on Hulu and still playing in a limited number of theaters nationwide.
“A Real Pain” is the latest must-watch series on Hulu that defies categorization and genre. This innovative show takes viewers on a wild ride through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, leaving audiences questioning what is real and what is not.
The series follows a group of characters who are all dealing with their own personal struggles and pain, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological. As they navigate through their challenges, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities, leading to unexpected twists and turns along the way.
With a stellar cast and gripping storytelling, “A Real Pain” is a thought-provoking and engaging series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking show that is sure to leave a lasting impact. Stream “A Real Pain” now on Hulu and prepare to be taken on a journey like no other.
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.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
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.
Tags:
Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain, Acting vs Writing, Mark Zuckerberg 2.0, Jesse Eisenberg interview, Jesse Eisenberg latest news, actor Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Zuckerberg portrayal, Jesse Eisenberg career insights, Hollywood actor Jesse Eisenberg
Price: $9.99 – $7.97 (as of Jan 31,2025 11:55:46 UTC – Details)
This product does not contain directions or complete warnings for adult use; do not give more than directed (see Overdose warning); SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING; find right dose on chart below; for accurate dosing, use measuring cup provided. Do not use with any other dosing device; give dose every 4 hours while symptoms last; if possible, use weight to dose; otherwise, use age; do not give more than 5 times in 24 hours; under 24 lbs. under 2 years: ask a doctor; 24-35 lbs. 2-3 years: 5 mL; 36-47 lbs. 4-5 years: 7.5 mL; 48-59 lbs. 6-8 years: 10 mL; 60-71 lbs. 9-10 years: 12.5 mL; 72-95 lbs. 11 years; 15mL Product Dimensions : 1.93 x 1.93 x 4.9 inches; 7.1 ounces Date First Available : June 29, 2020 Manufacturer : Genexa ASIN : B08BFHYQC7 Country of Origin : USA
[Pain & Fever Reducer for Kids]: Genexa children’s acetaminophen offers an effective solution for temporarily reducing fever and relief of minor aches and pains due to the common cold and flu, such as headache and sore throat for kids. [Easy to Take Liquid Acetaminophen}: A kid-friendly, easy-to-administer liquid oral suspension form, that makes giving your child the recommended dosage convenient and hassle-free. This liquid paracetamol for kids is dye-free, ibuprofen-free, and aspirin-free. [Delicious Blueberry Taste]: Genexa kids’ acetaminophen liquid features a delicious organic blueberry flavor that children will love. [Ingredients Kids Want]: Genexa Kids Pain & Fever reducer is made with the same effective acetaminophen as Children’s Tylenol Oral Suspension Cherry, but without artificial fillers or dyes. [Clean Medicine]: Genexa Kids Pain & Fever oral suspension is made with the same effective active ingredient you need, and is free from artificial preservatives, artificial dyes, and common allergens, ensuring a clean medicine for your child’s pain and fever reduction.
Customers say
Customers appreciate the medication’s taste and ingredients. They find it effective and a good alternative to Tylenol. The medication provides good pain relief without dyes, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Introducing Genexa Kids’ Clean Pain & Fever Acetaminophen: A Natural Solution for Your Child’s Discomfort
Are you tired of giving your child medications filled with artificial additives and dyes? Look no further than Genexa Kids’ Clean Pain & Fever Acetaminophen. This liquid oral suspension medicine is specially formulated for children aged 2-11, providing relief from pain and fever in a natural and safe way.
With 0% artificial additives and a delicious organic blueberry flavor, your child will actually look forward to taking their medicine. Each 5mL serving contains 160mg of acetaminophen, making it easy to dose based on your child’s weight and age.
Say goodbye to unnecessary chemicals and hello to a cleaner, more natural solution for your child’s discomfort. Trust Genexa Kids’ Clean Pain & Fever Acetaminophen to provide effective relief without the added junk. Give your child the best with Genexa.
#Genexa #Kids #Clean #Pain #Fever #Acetaminophen #Dye #Free #Artificial #Additives #Delicious #Organic #Blueberry #Flavor #Liquid #Oral #Suspension #Medicine #Children #5mL,non toxic
Price: $99.99 – $109.99 (as of Jan 31,2025 09:44:01 UTC – Details)
GAME CHANGER: The KOM Cycling Indoor Media Display bike desk workstation is a must have for all serious cyclists looking for an indoor training solution during cold winters, or for a way to warm up before a race. Designed with ease of use in mind, you can easily reach your water bottle or phone thanks to two conveniently placed holding water bottle slots. OPTIMAL SOLUTION: Indoor cycling has never been easier with the KOM Cycling Indoor Media Display bike desk workstation. Securely place your laptop or tablet so you can confidently start ascending the Alpe Du Zwift or spin around Watopia. VERSATILE USE: Use the bike trainer desk to maximize productivity while cycling or even as a standing desk to give your body a break from sitting all day. Thanks to the large surface area you’ll have plenty of room for all of your devices, as well as a water bottle or cup of coffee. And, the portability of this desk means you can easily switch between using it as a freestanding desk or trainer in just seconds. ANTI-SLIP AND ADJUSTABLE DESIGN: The KOM Cycling Media Display easily adjusts heights and features a non-slip rubberized surface to protect your devices from slipping. It’s perfect to use for your favorite indoor training workouts and is the perfect add on for an indoor spin bike. LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: This standing bike trainer offers the sturdy, secure device holder cyclists want. It features an unparalleled lightweight design and durability, thanks to an aluminum tripod base and plastic desktop with a rubber grip surface.
Customers say
Customers appreciate the sturdy and stable product with a good value for money. They like the size that holds their phone, iPad, or laptop, as well as a desktop area for the computer with some space for a mouse. The height adjustment is convenient and extends plenty high enough. Customers find it easy to assemble and convenient for holding their laptop and other items. They are also satisfied with its functionality and storage capacity. However, opinions differ on the design.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Are you looking to take your indoor cycling setup to the next level? Look no further than the KOM Cycling Media Display – Indoor Cycling Desk for a Bicycle Trainer! This bike desk is the perfect addition to your indoor cycling pain cave, allowing you to easily display Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Wahoo SUF on a convenient and sturdy desk.
With the KOM Cycling Media Display, you can easily keep your laptop, tablet, or phone at eye level while you crush your indoor cycling workouts. This desk is designed to fit most bike trainers and is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of rider heights.
Say goodbye to awkwardly balancing your devices on unstable surfaces while you ride – the KOM Cycling Media Display is here to make your indoor cycling experience more enjoyable and efficient. Upgrade your pain cave today and take your indoor cycling workouts to the next level with this innovative bike desk!
#KOM #Cycling #Media #Display #Indoor #Cycling #Desk #Bicycle #Trainer #Bike #Desk #Creates #Rad #Indoor #Cycling #Pain #Cave #Bicycle #Trainer #Desk #Perfect #displaying #Zwift #Wahoo #SUF,under desk bike as seen on tv
Cronin explained following the game that Bilodeau turned his ankle and while he wanted to play through it, that wouldn’t have been the smart long-term decision for the Bruins. So, while joking about his toughness, Cronin explained why he was limited later in the game.
“I didn’t like the way he was moving,” Mick Cronin said . “It’s hard for me to get a lot of info and it’s hard for a trainer to really assess things on the fly like that. He turned his ankle. So, you’re basically just looking — a kid like him, he’s going to say he wants to play. You could hit him in the head with a bat and He’s gonna says, ‘I want to play.’”
For the game, Tyler Bilodeau was unable to get a score in just three minutes played. That came after he played 31 minutes against Wisconsin in their previous game. For the season, he’s averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three-point range. That’s while averaging 26.9 minutes per game this season.
Moving forward, Mick Cronin knows what Tyler Bilodeau is going to be important for UCLA. So, it was better for the one game to trust the team’s depth and not risk a worse injury.
“When he said he wanted to play, I put him in but I didn’t like the way he was moving. I’m more worried about his career and the rest of our season,” Cronin said.
“Like I told the team, we’ve got enough players. I’ve got confidence in you guys. We just got to care. My tirade about caring, if we act like we care, we won’t make mistakes, we’ll play smart. You’ve got to care. We’ve been an A+ in caring and mental — you can tell when a team cares.”
UCLA ended up beating Washington 65-60. Four different Bruins scored in double digits for the game. The major difference in the game ended up being three-point shooting, with UCLA making 52.9 percent from distance compared to just 22.7 percent from Washington.
Now, Cronin and the Bruins will turn their attention to the USC Trojans . That game is coming quickly on Tuesday night.
UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau has been battling through a nagging injury, but head coach Mick Cronin isn’t surprised by his determination to play through the pain.
During a recent press conference, Cronin joked about Bilodeau’s toughness, saying, “Tyler is a warrior. He would probably play with a broken leg if we let him. But don’t worry, we won’t be putting him out there with any serious injuries.”
Bilodeau has been a key player for the Bruins this season, averaging double-digit points and rebounds per game. Despite his injury, he has continued to contribute on both ends of the court and is determined to help lead UCLA to success.
Fans can expect to see Bilodeau continue to push through the pain and give it his all on the court, as he is truly a warrior in every sense of the word.
