All Of It: Jesse Eisenberg on 'A Real Pain'
Host: Alison Stewart | Release Date: January 16, 2025 | Available on Hulu

Introduction to 'A Real Pain'
In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Jesse Eisenberg, the multifaceted writer, director, and star of his acclaimed new film, A Real Pain. The conversation delves deep into the creative process behind the film, Eisenberg’s personal experiences that influenced its narrative, and his reflections on balancing a burgeoning career with personal life.

Exploring the Film's Premise and Characters
Eisenberg introduces A Real Pain as a delicate blend of comedy and Holocaust-themed drama. The film centers on two cousins, David (played by Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), embarking on a transformative trip to Poland to explore their grandmother’s hometown, a place laden with historical trauma.

[00:37] Alison Stewart: "A Real Pain balances humor with the profound weight of Holocaust history through its characters."

Innovative Scriptwriting: The Email Method
Eisenberg shares his unconventional approach to scriptwriting, opting to draft the script via emails rather than traditional screenwriting software. This method, he explains, fosters greater creative freedom and allows the ideas to flow more organically without the constraints of formatting.

[02:43] Jesse Eisenberg: "Writing in an email form allows me to think of my scripts more as diary entries, fostering creative openness without self-censorship."

He acknowledges the downside of this method, noting the occasional loss of work due to misplaced emails. However, he values the spontaneous and genuine content that emerges from this process.

Character Dynamics: Benji vs. David
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the contrasting personalities of Benji and David. Benji is portrayed as charming, gregarious, and emotionally volatile, while David embodies anxiety, shyness, and stability. Eisenberg draws parallels between his own life and the characters, highlighting his internal battle between an extroverted public persona and a reserved private nature.

[04:14] Jesse Eisenberg: "I'm constantly doing battle in my head with the outgoing version of myself versus the part that just wants to hide away."

He further illustrates these dynamics through anecdotes about traveling with his wife, emphasizing how different personalities interact in social settings.

Filming in Poland: Personal and Historical Connections
Eisenberg recounts his personal trip to Poland with his wife in 2008, which profoundly influenced the making of A Real Pain. Visiting his family's ancestral home and witnessing the remnants of World War II trauma provided a realistic backdrop for the film’s narrative.

[07:00] Jesse Eisenberg: "Standing outside my family's former home was a stark reminder of the challenging process of connecting with one's history."

He discusses the challenges of filming in historically significant sites like the Majdanek concentration camp, ensuring respectful and authentic representation.

[19:02] Jesse Eisenberg: "We negotiated deeply to ensure the film celebrated the educational work being done at these memorial sites without exploiting their painful history."

Casting Kieran Culkin: A Serendipitous Choice
Initially intending to play Benji himself, Eisenberg credits Kieran Culkin for bringing unparalleled depth and spontaneity to the role. Culkin’s dedication, including sleeping on the hotel room floor to embody his character, impressed Eisenberg and elevated the film’s authenticity.

[19:47] Jesse Eisenberg: "Kieran was living in the spirit of Benji in a way that would have been impossible for me, and he brought the character to life brilliantly."

Lessons from Past Work: 'Saving the World' to 'A Real Pain'
Reflecting on his directorial debut with Saving the World, Eisenberg acknowledges previous shortcomings in connecting audiences with flawed characters. This introspection informed his approach to A Real Pain, where he consciously crafted characters that audiences could empathize with despite their imperfections.

[22:14] Jesse Eisenberg: "I learned that audiences need reassurance that it's okay to love flawed characters, something I didn't emphasize enough in my first film."

Balancing Success with Personal Life
Eisenberg discusses the impact of his professional success on his personal life, emphasizing the privilege of maintaining a relatively private existence compared to his peers. He highlights the importance of continuing to create, regardless of external acclaim.

[23:33] Jesse Eisenberg: "I want to make a movie every year. The success of this one allows me to pursue multiple projects without resting on my laurels."

Closing Reflections: Honoring Polish History and Legacy
In a heartfelt conclusion, Eisenberg appeals to American Jewish listeners to recognize and appreciate the efforts of non-Jewish Poles in preserving and educating about their shared history. He expresses profound gratitude for the hospitality and dedication he encountered during his visits.

[25:00] Jesse Eisenberg: "I wish people would understand the beautiful and hopeful work being done in Poland to memorialize our history, transforming places of horror into centers of education."

Conclusion
Jesse Eisenberg’s insightful discussion on All Of It offers a comprehensive look into the making of A Real Pain, blending personal narratives with historical reflection. His innovative creative processes, commitment to authentic storytelling, and thoughtful engagement with sensitive themes make this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, history, and cinema.