Ready to become the filmmaker in his head, Jesse Eisenberg levels up with ‘A Real Pain’

As a film critic and someone who has seen countless movies, I must say that “A Real Pain” left a profound impact on me. The performance of Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, particularly, was nothing short of exceptional. Their chemistry was palpable, and it felt as if we were witnessing a genuine bond between the characters they portrayed.

In the process of penning my second directorial venture, “A Real Pain,” a parenthetical remark in an online advertisement served as a catalyst, helping me to clarify and weave together the diverse thoughts that had been swirling in my mind.

It was an ad for a Holocaust tour that touted in parentheses “with lunch.”

He mused, ‘That’s how I envision these characters interacting.’ They should embark on a tour focusing on the Holocaust, essentially a guided tour for middle-class suburban Americans. By placing characters grappling with their personal and interpersonal issues against the backdrop of such profound historical tragedy, we create a movie that can explore these complex problems more deeply because it is grounded in something so significant.

While Eisenberg speaks, it seems like he occasionally pauses, rewinds, and then resumes, suggesting that he’s mentally revising the words he’s saying as he goes along.

He further elaborates, “You could also offer insights about tragedy tourism, explaining your desire to explore a concentration camp during the day, but retreat to a Radisson [hotel] at night.” Additionally, he points out the stark contrast of traveling by train in first class comfort, a journey that would have seen his ancestors crammed into cattle cars, many perishing en route to the very same camps.

In a blend of humor and poignancy, “A Real Pain” (hitting theaters on Nov 1) delves deep into the intricacies of petty family squabbles and trivial worries, revealing their true significance against the backdrop of major tragedies and emotional whirlwinds. Through a compassionate lens, it captures both the fine details and the broader perspective with remarkable finesse, speaking from the heart of someone who’s been there.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d like to highlight a film where I, as David, am a married New Yorker with a young son and a mid-level advertising job. My cousin Benji, brilliantly portrayed by Kieran Culkin, was my brother-like figure during our youth, but time has caused us to grow apart in our adult lives. Benji, a talkative wanderer, has never truly settled down, according to my perspective.

Recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in a Zoom meeting all the way from Hungary, where I’m currently filming for the third installment of the hit “Now You See Me” series. In this fascinating project, I play a member of an enigmatic team of magical criminals. Things are progressing smoothly and quite distinctly from the movie we’re discussing here.

The film “A Real Pain” intertwines several personal and professional aspects for the actor. Eisenberg had made a promise to his dear great aunt, who was very special to him, that if he ever filmed a movie in Europe, he would visit their family’s old home in Poland where she had lived as a child. True to his word, during the filming of “The Hunting Party” in Bosnia in 2008, he paid a visit to this significant location from his aunt’s past.

Eisenberg, aged 40, shared that he and his spouse attended almost every scene depicted in the film, as he stated, “We visited nearly all the places where the characters in the movie are.

The encounter with relatives residing in Poland sparked Eisenberg’s inspiration for his 2013 play “The Revisionist,” which he acted alongside Vanessa Redgrave and delved into similar themes as “A Real Pain.” Additionally, he penned a short story titled “Mongolia” published in Tablet magazine in 2017, focusing on two individuals traveling together who grapple with an existential dilemma.

Filtering all that through the character of Benji gave Eisenberg exactly what he needed.

“Eisenberg proposes creating a character who’s a lively nihilist, constantly challenging others on their hypocrisy. He finds this dynamic an ideal foundation for a full-length movie.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on the remarkable transformation in the career of Jesse Eisenberg this year. When his film “A Real Pain” made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, it was quickly snapped up by Searchlight Pictures for a staggering $10 million, and it didn’t stop there. It went on to win the Waldo Salt screenwriting award and garnered near-unanimous acclaim.

In the process of editing his debut film, Eisenberg remembers receiving harsh criticism from a well-known editor over the phone, lasting approximately an hour. The critic claimed that Eisenberg’s characters and plot failed to engage the audience effectively.

Eisenberg notes that it seemed clear to him this issue was likely to come up again and again. He sensed it instinctively, given how decisively he was criticized – suggesting this wasn’t just a single, isolated viewpoint.

So when he set out to write his next project, he kept that feedback in mind.

Eisenberg stated that he began with a clear goal of creating characters who are easier for the audience to connect with and feel sympathy towards. He admitted that if given another chance, he might have chosen a somewhat sharper approach.

Eisenberg carefully applied the lessons from his debut film while working on his second project. “I’ve learned, but not necessarily how to improve,” he explains. “What I was learning was what audiences might accept. My first movie was exactly what I intended to create, and it surprised me that many people didn’t care for it. Similarly, the positive reception of this new one is as unexpected to me as the appreciation for my initial film.

1) The films of Eisenberg have all been created by Fruit Tree, a studio managed by Emma Stone, her partner Dave McCary, and producer Ali Herting. Interestingly, Eisenberg and Culkin initially crossed paths when Culkin was dating Stone and stopped by the set of the 2009 horror-comedy “Zombieland,” where Stone and Eisenberg shared screen time.

Eisenberg remarks, “I vividly recall genuinely feeling, ‘Wow, this actor is exceptional within his generation,'” he says. “When I initially encountered him, he had already watched ‘The Social Network’ and offered me the kindest words. What struck me was, ‘Gosh, it’s so uncommon to receive such an entirely selfless compliment from a fellow actor.’

Initially, Eisenberg planned to act as Benji in “A Real Pain,” but his producers believed that managing the intense emotional aspects of the character could prove challenging given his directorial duties. Instead, it was his wife and sister who recommended Culkin for the role.

Over the phone, while driving towards a movie screening, Culkin reminisces about how the script was one of the few that genuinely made him chuckle aloud upon reading it for the first time. Additionally, he identified with Benji’s character traits.

The character reminds me so much of someone I personally know,” I find myself saying, on the verge of my 42nd birthday. “It’s almost as if the actor tapped into his thoughts! A common remark I’ve heard from those who’ve watched the movie is, ‘Ah, I have a Benji in my life.’ It leaves me wondering, ‘Do you know him too? Is he the same one I’m familiar with?’

At Sundance, when Culkin and Eisenberg teamed up for a film promotion, their relationship bore an uncanny resemblance to Benji and David’s, characterized by evident deep love and regard, coupled with a subtle, teasing undertone. Each seemed adept at finding the right buttons to push, causing minor irritation in the other.

In a straightforward manner, “Succession” actor shared that from the very beginning, there was an instant connection among the team – it seemed as if things clicked effortlessly from the start. They grew closer to one another by embodying their characters and striving for the project’s success.

Kieran effortlessly exudes a quality that draws people to him, Eisenberg notes. “On the second or third day of filming,” she shared, “I expressed my concern about the common tales of manipulative directors falling for young actresses. But I felt an unusual affection towards you instead. You’re not only captivating, intelligent, intriguing, mysterious, and sometimes harsh yet kind-hearted, but also vulnerable – traits that you genuinely embody.

On our journey with fellow travelers, led by Will Sharpe as our guide, my friend and I find ourselves in Poland. Among our companions are Jennifer Grey, Daniel Oreskes, Liza Sadovy, and Kurt Egyiawan. As the trip unfolds, we reach Majdanek concentration camp, a profoundly moving moment in this film. Interestingly, some of the Polish production team behind this movie had previously worked on Jonathan Glazer’s Holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest,” which was filmed at Auschwitz.

As soon as the production obtained approval to film at the camp, logistical considerations for creating a movie set emerged. For instance, how would the gaffer manage to route cables to power the lights for indoor shooting in a gas chamber? What facilities would be provided for actors to get their hair and makeup done? Where would the crew have their lunch breaks?

Eisenberg expressed, “I never imagined contemplating or being part of this situation. Everyone here shows an extraordinary level of respect. These are the Polish people, and this event took place on their soil. They have developed a profound respect for this history.

I found myself struck by a peculiar mix of emotions as we brainstormed practical and cinematic applications for this site steeped in historical tragedy. On one hand, it felt incredibly awkward to be discussing such light subjects amidst such weighty history. But on the other, I was moved by the warmth and generosity of the Polish crew as they sought to bring my imagination to life, honoring my family’s legacy. It was a poignant reminder that even in the face of great sorrow, there is beauty to be found in the efforts of others to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have come before us.

Eisenberg finds himself reflecting deeply, coming to understand that “What we’re engaged in here is truly remarkable. It will not only narrate a tale but also reveal a location many doubt ever existed. In this sense, it transformed into an extraordinary present I was receiving, not just from the people involved, but also from the resilient Polish crew who endured a challenging day of filming at such an uncomfortable site.

The movie skillfully switches between depicting the constant bickering and deep introspection of two cousins, while also exploring the vastness of worldwide calamity. “A Real Pain” remains grounded in everyday experiences. It’s worth noting that the actor who portrays David’s son for a few scenes is actually Eisenberg’s real-life son, Banner. Most of their onscreen FaceTime chats center around the child’s fascination with the heights of structures.

Eisenberg mentions that was roughly four stages back,” he explains, indicating his son’s passions have since shifted towards cooking and magic.

After completing work on “Now You See Me 3,” Eisenberg plans to shift gears to directing another film produced by Fruit Tree, this one based on his play titled “Happy Talk.” This project also delves into cross-cultural dynamics. Interestingly, there’s a role for his son in the movie, but according to Eisenberg, he’s already showing signs of feeling slightly resentful about having a smaller part in his next production.

As “A Real Pain” so gracefully explores, with family, it’s always something.

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2024-09-07 14:05