All Of It: Jesse Eisenberg on His Oscar-Nominated Screenplay for "A Real Pain"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, renowned actor, writer, and director Jesse Eisenberg delves deep into his Oscar-nominated screenplay, A Real Pain. Released on February 26, 2025, the episode not only explores the intricate layers of Eisenberg's latest work but also highlights the outstanding performance by Kieran Culkin, nominated for Best Supporting Actor. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into the creative process behind blending humor with profound historical themes.

Exploring "A Real Pain"

A Real Pain is a unique film that intertwines the lighthearted dynamics of a road trip buddy comedy with the heavy backdrop of a Holocaust-themed narrative. The story centers on two cousins, David (portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (played by Kieran Culkin), who embark on a journey to Poland to explore their family's roots and visit their grandmother's hometown.

Writing Process and Creative Freedom

Eisenberg shares his unconventional approach to scriptwriting, revealing how he penned much of A Real Pain through emails. This method allowed him to treat the screenplay more like a series of diary entries, fostering creative openness without the constraints of traditional scriptwriting software.

“[04:01] Jesse Eisenberg: I mean, I've written, like, plays and essays for 20 years, and I always write in an email form because I don't want to ever think of the thing as, like, going to need to be produced. It allows me to just be a little more creatively open-minded...”

This technique, while liberating, also posed challenges such as losing drafts. Nevertheless, Eisenberg believes that the essence of a truly great idea remains intact despite these obstacles.

Character Dynamics: ID and SuperEgo

The film's core revolves around the contrasting personalities of David and Benji, representing the psychological concepts of the ID and SuperEgo. Eisenberg reflects on his own experiences as a performer who grapples with introversion, mirroring David's anxieties and Benji's extroverted charm.

“[05:21] Jesse Eisenberg: Yeah, I think about that kind of thing all the time... I'm constantly just doing battle in my head with, like, the outgoing version of myself versus my instinct, which is to just walk into the corner of the room and face the wall.”

This internal struggle resonates through the characters, illustrating the delicate balance between outward charm and inner turmoil.

Personal Connection to Poland

Eisenberg's personal journey to Poland with his wife profoundly influenced the narrative of A Real Pain. Visiting his ancestral home and witnessing the remnants of his family's past provided a poignant backdrop for the film.

“[15:24] Jesse Eisenberg: My wife and I went to Poland in 2008. We stayed with my cousin Maria, who was a survivor of the war... Standing outside the house my family lived in until 1939, I felt detached, which taught me about the complex reality of connecting with one's history.”

This experience instilled in him the irony and anticlimax of seeking connection in places laden with historical trauma, a theme meticulously woven into the screenplay.

Sensitivity Towards Polish History and Filming

Eisenberg discusses his deep respect and sensitivity toward Polish history, acknowledging the nation's tumultuous past and the efforts of local communities to preserve and educate about it.

“[19:53] Jesse Eisenberg: Yeah, we filmed in Majdanek, a concentration camp near Lublin. It took time to negotiate... I wanted to celebrate the work they do in turning a place of terror into a museum of education.”

Filming in such significant locations required careful negotiation and a commitment to portraying history respectfully, avoiding exploitation while highlighting educational narratives.

Casting and Directing Challenges

Originally intending to play Benji, Eisenberg deferred the role to Kieran Culkin based on the latter's exceptional dedication and natural embodiment of the character. Culkin's commitment included memorizing lines rapidly and immersing himself fully in the role, often sleeping minimally to stay in character.

“[20:31] Jesse Eisenberg: Emma Stone advised me not to play Benji because directing such an unhinged character while managing production would be taxing. Kieran brought an unparalleled energy, sleeping two hours a night to stay in the spirit of Benji.”

This decision underscored the importance of collaborative synergy in filmmaking, highlighting Culkin's pivotal role in bringing Benji to life.

Lessons from Directing and Future Projects

Reflecting on his directorial debut with Saving the World, Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of connecting audiences emotionally with flawed characters. He acknowledges the critical reception of A Real Pain and shares insights into his approach to future projects.

“[22:56] Jesse Eisenberg: My first movie wasn't received as well because I didn't make it clear that it was okay to love flawed characters. With A Real Pain, I aimed to ensure the audience could connect and empathize with the protagonists despite their imperfections.”

Eisenberg remains optimistic about his creative trajectory, aiming to produce more films that resonate deeply with audiences.

Impact of Personal Life and Public Perception

Despite the film's success, Eisenberg maintains a grounded perspective on fame and its effects on personal life. He contrasts his own relatively private existence with the intense public scrutiny faced by peers like Kristen Stewart.

“[25:03] Jesse Eisenberg: I've been a known movie actor for 20 years, but the novelty wears off quickly. Most people don't have interest in my personal life, which keeps me grounded.”

This balanced view underscores his focus on creating meaningful art over chasing fame.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth exploration of Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain, highlighting the film's intricate blend of comedy and historical drama. Through candid discussions about his writing process, personal experiences, and the challenges of directing, Eisenberg provides listeners with a rich understanding of the film's creation and thematic depth. With A Real Pain garnering critical acclaim and multiple nominations, including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Kieran Culkin, this episode serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging personal history with broader cultural narratives.

Notable Quotes

• “[04:01] Jesse Eisenberg: I always write in an email form because I don't want to ever think of the thing as, like, going to need to be produced.”
• “[05:21] Jesse Eisenberg: I'm constantly just doing battle in my head with, like, the outgoing version of myself versus my instinct, which is to just walk into the corner of the room and face the wall.”
• “[15:24] Jesse Eisenberg: Standing outside the house my family lived in until 1939, I felt detached...”
• “[19:53] Jesse Eisenberg: I wanted to celebrate the work they do in turning a place of terror into a museum of education.”
• “[22:56] Jesse Eisenberg: With A Real Pain, I aimed to ensure the audience could connect and empathize with the protagonists despite their imperfections.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a thorough overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.