Fresh Air Podcast Summary: Jesse Eisenberg on "A Real Pain" and Personal Journeys
Episode Title: Jesse Eisenberg Hated Bar Mitzvahs As A Kid
Host: Terry Gross
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Guest: Jesse Eisenberg
Introduction to "A Real Pain"
In this episode of Fresh Air, host Terry Gross engages in an intimate conversation with actor Jesse Eisenberg about his latest project, "A Real Pain." Eisenberg not only stars in the film alongside Kieran Culkin but also took on the roles of writer and director. The film has garnered significant attention as a strong contender in the upcoming Academy Awards.
Notable Quote:
"A Real Pain is like my perspective on my cousin, and it really works nicely when he is as hard to grasp for the audience as he is for me."
— Jesse Eisenberg [26:45]
Inspiration Behind the Film
Eisenberg discusses the genesis of "A Real Pain," which originated from his frustration with an unsuccessful project set in Mongolia. An online advertisement for an Auschwitz tour with lunch shifted his focus, inspiring him to explore deeper philosophical questions about suffering and the human condition.
Notable Quote:
"It was just so profound in its simplicity, spoke to so many awkward modern things... why do we want to tour sites of horror and maintain the creature comforts that we have in our lives."
— Jesse Eisenberg [03:14]
Exploring Suffering and Historical Trauma
The film delves into the complexities of suffering, juxtaposing personal mental health struggles with historical atrocities. Eisenberg reflects on the ironies of modern-day pain in contrast to the immense suffering endured during the Holocaust.
Notable Quote:
"What is real pain? Is my character's manageable, medicated OCD pain valid? Is Kieran's pain valid?... Only the pain of war and mass trauma should be acknowledged."
— Jesse Eisenberg [05:08]
Respectful Filmmaking at Majdanek
Eisenberg recounts the challenges of filming at Majdanek, a preserved Nazi concentration camp in Poland. He emphasizes the meticulous efforts to maintain respect and authenticity, collaborating closely with local academics to ensure the depiction honored the site's historical significance.
Notable Quote:
"We set up the shot in the most unkind of fettered way... actors walked in and out of the rooms with the utmost simplicity and care."
— Jesse Eisenberg [07:57]
Personal Family History
The conversation shifts to Eisenberg's family, particularly his grandmother's survival during the Holocaust and the lasting impact on his family's legacy. He shares poignant memories of his aunt Doris and cousin Maria, highlighting their resilience and the weight of historical trauma.
Notable Quote:
"Our grandmother survived by a thousand miracles... yet Kieran's character doesn't even know if he wants to live."
— Jesse Eisenberg [07:16]
Secular Identity and Interconnected Suffering
Eisenberg explores his family's secularization and the universal nature of suffering. He discusses how Holocaust survivors like his friend Delosh find connections with others who have endured similar atrocities, transcending specific cultural or religious identities.
Notable Quote:
"Historical trauma can transcend our own community's pain and allow it to connect us to other pain."
— Jesse Eisenberg [17:35]
Childhood and Bar Mitzvah Experiences
Reflecting on his youth, Eisenberg reveals his aversion to traditional Jewish ceremonies like bar mitzvahs, describing them as uncomfortable and superficial. Ironically, he later participates in a deeply religious Hasidic bar mitzvah for research purposes, highlighting his complex relationship with his cultural heritage.
Notable Quote:
"The bar mitzvah parties turned my stomach... it seemed so gross culturally."
— Jesse Eisenberg [17:39]
Mental Health Struggles and Professional Life
Eisenberg opens up about his own experiences with OCD, depression, and anxiety. He discusses how these struggles influence his work, particularly in directing and acting, and the importance of flexibility in creative environments.
Notable Quote:
"I have OCD, depression, anxiety... and I feel my pain is unexceptional."
— Jesse Eisenberg [26:50]
Directing and Working with Kieran Culkin
The dynamic between Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin is explored, focusing on their portrayal of cousins with contrasting personalities. Eisenberg explains his admiration for Culkin's charismatic yet troubled character and how it informed his directing approach.
Notable Quote:
"I envy people who can light up a room... trying to explore what's behind somebody like that."
— Jesse Eisenberg [25:37]
Early Emotional Challenges and Institutionalization
Delving into his childhood, Eisenberg recounts intense emotional struggles that led to his brief institutionalization. He reflects on the impact of his parents' approach to his mental health and how it shaped his resilience.
Notable Quote:
"I was institutionalized, and then I couldn't go back to school... the institution became this kind of boogeyman."
— Jesse Eisenberg [34:26]
Influence of the Arts and Family Background
Eisenberg attributes his comfort in the arts to his mother's background as a performer. Growing up with a mother who was a choreographer and birthday party clown normalized theatrical expression for him, fostering his seamless transition into acting and directing.
Notable Quote:
"Seeing silly behavior normalized and professionalized... it was a seamless transition for me to be in the arts."
— Jesse Eisenberg [40:31]
Portraying Mark Zuckerberg and Its Impact
Reflecting on his iconic role as Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network," Eisenberg discusses the complexities of humanizing a character who has become a polarizing figure in the public eye. He expresses a mix of sadness and introspection regarding Zuckerberg's real-life actions.
Notable Quote:
"I spend a lot of time thinking about this guy and trying to defend his behavior... I feel a little bit sad, why is this the path you're taking."
— Jesse Eisenberg [42:25]
Integration of Chopin's Music in Film
Eisenberg reveals his deep appreciation for Chopin's music, which plays a significant role in "A Real Pain." He explains how incorporating classical pieces served as a creative guide during filming, enhancing the emotional depth of the scenes.
Notable Quote:
"I'm not a classical music buff, but I'm a Chopin buff... it's really, really wonderful and helpful."
— Jesse Eisenberg [43:57]
Closing Remarks
The interview concludes with Eisenberg expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss his film and personal experiences. He selects Chopin's "Opus 25, No. 1" (Aurelian Harp) as the closing piece, symbolizing the film's emotional resonance.
Notable Quote:
"I had Chopin's music as the interstitial music in the play... I'm a Chopin buff."
— Jesse Eisenberg [43:57]
Final Thoughts
Jesse Eisenberg's candid conversation on Fresh Air offers a profound glimpse into the interplay between personal history, mental health, and creative expression. Through "A Real Pain," he not only tells a compelling story but also invites audiences to ponder the nature of suffering and resilience across generations.
Note: This summary is based solely on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the essence of Jesse Eisenberg's discussion on the Fresh Air podcast episode.