Fresh Air: Best Of – Featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Pamela Anderson
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Introduction
In this special edition of Fresh Air, NPR's acclaimed host Terry Gross revisits memorable interviews with two distinctive figures from the entertainment industry: actor and filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg, and pop culture icon Pamela Anderson. This episode delves deep into Eisenberg's latest film, A Real Pain, exploring themes of suffering and historical trauma, and transitions to an intimate conversation with Anderson about her transformative role in The Last Showgirl and her journey beyond her iconic 90s persona.
Interview with Jesse Eisenberg
Exploring A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg joins Fresh Air to discuss his multifaceted role in the film A Real Pain, which he wrote, directed, and starred in alongside Kieran Culkin. The film narrates the story of two cousins embarking on a Jewish heritage tour in Poland, culminating at the Majdanek death camp. Eisenberg delves into the profound questions the film raises about suffering and the validity of different types of pain.
“[07:32] Jesse Eisenberg: ...what is real pain? Is my character's manageable, medicated OCD pain valid? Or is the only pain that's valid and should be kind of acknowledged is the pain of war and of kind of mass genocide and mass trauma?”
Personal Reflections on Pain and Heritage
Eisenberg reflects on his personal struggles with mental health, juxtaposing his experiences with his family's history during the Holocaust. This introspection forms the crux of his film, questioning whether contemporary personal suffering holds the same weight as historical atrocities.
“[09:40] Jesse Eisenberg: ...why do we walk around with all this modern pain when our lives are materially comfortable after being the products of incredible stories of survival.”
Filming at Majdanek: Respect and Reverence
Eisenberg shares the challenges and responsibilities of filming at Majdanek, a preserved death camp site. He emphasizes the importance of portraying the location with utmost respect, collaborating closely with local academics and officials to ensure the film honors its historical significance.
“[10:21] Jesse Eisenberg: ...we set up the shots in the most, like, you know, unfettered way we would. ...it was done with, like, the absolute, utmost simplicity and care and reverence.”
Balancing Creative Vision with Sensitivity
Navigating the delicate balance between creative expression and historical sensitivity, Eisenberg discusses the logistical and emotional hurdles faced during production. His commitment to authenticity and respect for the site's history underscores his dedication to meaningful storytelling.
“[14:07] Jesse Eisenberg: ...I had this great feeling of indebtedness to the Poles who have done a really good job of preserving a lot of this history.”
Thematic Depth: Modern vs. Historical Trauma
Eisenberg contemplates the societal tendency to prioritize certain types of suffering over others, questioning the collective acknowledgment of personal versus mass trauma. This thematic exploration invites audiences to reevaluate their perceptions of pain and empathy.
“[21:35] Jesse Eisenberg: ...learning to be flexible is helpful. ...the movie benefits from that because the movie really is kind of my perspective on my cousin.”
Interview with Pamela Anderson
Reinventing a Legacy in The Last Showgirl
Transitioning to Pamela Anderson, interviewer Tanya Mosley explores Anderson's role as Shelley, a veteran Las Vegas dancer facing the closure of her long-running show. The conversation highlights Anderson's journey from her iconic role in Baywatch to her reinvention through Broadway and film.
“[26:06] Pamela Anderson: My guest today is Pamela Anderson. She stars in the new film The Last Showgirl, where she plays Shelley, a veteran performer from Las Vegas who learns that her show is shutting down after a 30-year run.”
A Personal and Professional Renaissance
Anderson discusses her strategic decision to return to acting with The Last Showgirl, emphasizing her desire to break free from her 90s tabloid image and explore more nuanced, meaningful roles. She credits her son Brandon for supporting her career resurgence.
“[30:46] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...Brandon would be pitching a baseball game and he would throw his glove down and look at the paparazzi and say, I'm trying to pitch a game here, boys, can you leave me alone?”
Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Discovery
The conversation delves into Anderson's personal growth, highlighting her transition from a public persona to embracing her authentic self. She shares insights into balancing fame with motherhood and the challenges of reshaping her identity in the public eye.
“[36:32] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...they have their own dreams, their own businesses and their own lives. So Gia knew that I hadn't received the script because it was turned down within the hour.”
Collaborative Chemistry with Jamie Lee Curtis
Anderson praises her co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays an older former showgirl in The Last Showgirl. Their collaborative dynamic is portrayed as a catalyst for authentic performances, with Curtis sharing anecdotes about their on-set relationship.
“[40:20] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...they wanted me to do, you know, the role full strength, not watered down. They knew I was capable of it.”
Navigating Fame and Parenting
Anderson and Curtis discuss the complexities of managing fame while being dedicated mothers. They share strategies for shielding their children from media scrutiny and maintaining a grounded personal life amidst public attention.
“[38:09] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...I wanted to be a hands-on mom. If I was going to have kids, I wanted to raise them. So that's another big difference between Shelley and I is that I put everything aside.”
Overcoming Tabloid Stereotypes with Grace
Addressing her past in the tabloids, Anderson explains how she developed resilience and humor to handle intrusive questions and maintain her dignity. She emphasizes using her platform to highlight meaningful causes, such as animal rights.
“[45:59] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...I wanted to bring up something meaningful to me, like animal rights. And I found that I could share the attention with something more meaningful.”
Embracing Authenticity Through Acting
Curtis reflects on her own acting journey, mirroring Anderson's path of self-discovery and authenticity. She underscores the importance of choosing roles that resonate personally and allow for genuine emotional expression.
“[43:03] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...I have been carrying this secret. I feel like I've known I was capable of more, but I didn't know what.”
Conclusion
This episode of Fresh Air offers a profound exploration of personal and historical trauma through Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain, while also celebrating Pamela Anderson's courageous reinvention in The Last Showgirl. Both interviews underscore themes of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of storytelling in navigating complex emotional landscapes.
Notable Quotes:
- “[07:32] Jesse Eisenberg: What is real pain? Is my character's manageable, medicated OCD pain valid?”
- “[10:21] Jesse Eisenberg: ...it was done with the utmost simplicity and care and reverence.”
- “[36:32] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...Gia knew that I hadn't received the script because it was turned down within the hour.”
- “[45:59] Jamie Lee Curtis: ...I wanted to bring up something meaningful to me, like animal rights.”
This rich and engaging summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the in-depth discussions, key insights, and reflective moments shared by Jesse Eisenberg and Pamela Anderson.