Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Episode Summary: Jesse Eisenberg
Release Date: December 16, 2024
In this compelling episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard reconnects with Academy Award-nominated actor and filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg. The conversation delves deep into Jesse's personal struggles, career milestones, and his journey through mental health challenges, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the complexities of being human.
Reunion and First Impressions
00:43 – 04:24
The episode begins with Dax warmly welcoming Jesse Eisenberg back to the show, reminiscing about their previous encounter. Both Dax and co-host Monica Padman express their admiration for Jesse’s talent and charisma.
- Dax Shepard: "He's a borderline blessing."
- Monica Padman: "He is incredible. He's an Academy Award-nominated actor. Filmmaker. Did I say actor?"
Their light-hearted banter sets a comfortable tone for the in-depth discussion that follows.
Early Life and Personal Struggles
04:24 – 27:04
Jesse opens up about his tumultuous childhood, marked by severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He recounts being forcibly removed from preschool and experiencing intense separation anxiety, leading to a year-long hiatus from school and a stay in a mental institution at age 13.
- Jesse Eisenberg: "I was hysterically crying when I was four years old. I got kicked out of preschool because I couldn't leave my mom."
Dax empathizes, highlighting the universal nature of such struggles and the profound impact they can have on one's development.
- Dax Shepard: "They have this great perspective on you being too messed up already."
Navigating School and Social Relationships
27:04 – 44:18
The conversation shifts to Jesse's high school years, where despite his emotional turmoil, he engaged in community theater as an outlet from academic pressures. This early exposure to acting laid the groundwork for his future career.
- Jesse Eisenberg: "I started doing community theater. It was an amazing outlet."
Dax and Monica discuss the challenges Jesse faced in forming friendships and his desire for external validation, a theme that recurs throughout his life.
Acting Career and Breakthrough Roles
44:18 – 70:03
Jesse reflects on his early acting roles, including his time on the TV show Parenthood, where he first met Dax. He shares anecdotes about auditioning for and landing roles in significant films like The Social Network and Zombieland.
- Jesse Eisenberg: "I remember that script was, 'Oh my God, this is such a great thing to read.' And then I just made the tape on my couch in New York and then they gave me the part."
He discusses the complexities of playing characters that mirror his own anxieties, particularly in The Social Network, where his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg earned critical acclaim but also intensified his personal insecurities.
- Jesse Eisenberg: "There's a dichotomy of I'm unworthy and I'm a fraud and also you're supposed to be doing great things. They're kind of incompatible."
Mental Health and Self-Perception
70:03 – 89:41
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Jesse's ongoing battle with depression and anxiety. He candidly talks about the pervasive dread he feels, juxtaposed with moments of joy in his personal life, such as his relationships with his wife and children.
- Jesse Eisenberg: "I just feel like I won the lottery that I get to be able to do something I genuinely like."
Dax relates by sharing his own experiences with self-loathing and the struggle to balance self-compassion with self-criticism.
- Dax Shepard: "You have an overarching hunch that you've convinced yourself there's a lot of things you can't pull off that you could."
Directing and Creative Control
89:41 – 106:32
Jesse discusses his foray into directing, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning from acting to leading a production. He highlights the importance of surrounding himself with talented collaborators who complement his creative vision.
- Jesse Eisenberg: "The directors I've loved working with are not those people either. They're people like me."
He also touches upon the financial aspects of filmmaking, sharing insights into producing films on modest budgets and the satisfaction derived from creative autonomy.
Personal Relationships and Recognition
106:32 – 133:28
The episode concludes with light-hearted discussions about Jesse’s relationships, particularly his friendship with actress Emma Stone and the humorous confusion with Michael Cera's identity. Dax and Monica add personal anecdotes, making the conversation relatable and endearing.
- Dax Shepard: "You're so good in it. Everyone’s so good in it."
They share stories about family dynamics, pet antics, and holiday preparations, wrapping up the episode on a warm and personal note.
Notable Quotes
- Jesse Eisenberg (04:00): "I think maybe I've kind of self-defined in a way that's actually maybe not the most accurate."
- Dax Shepard (35:48): "You have to learn to work with your character defects and exploit them for the good side and try to mitigate the downside."
- Jesse Eisenberg (75:03): "If your life is not working out in certain areas, the quicker thing to do is not try to fix it or blame yourself or try to fix yourself. The quicker thing to do is create some really well-reasoned, logical sounding argument of why the thing that you didn't get is bullshit."
Conclusion
This episode offers a profound exploration of Jesse Eisenberg's journey through personal adversity and professional triumphs. By intertwining his candid reflections with moments of levity, Dax Shepard and Monica Padman create a narrative that is both relatable and inspiring. Listeners gain valuable insights into the resilience required to navigate the complexities of mental health while pursuing one's passion in the demanding world of acting and filmmaking.