WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: Episode 1598 – Jesse Eisenberg

Release Date: December 9, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 1598 of the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast, host Marc Maron sits down with acclaimed actor, writer, and director Jesse Eisenberg. Known for his roles in The Social Network, The Squid and the Whale, and Zombieland, Jesse offers an introspective and revealing conversation about his personal life, creative process, and recent projects, including his new film A Real Pain.

1. Jesse Eisenberg’s Recent Work: A Real Pain

Marc begins by discussing Jesse's latest film, A Real Pain, which Jesse wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Kieran Culkin. Marc praises the film, stating, “I thought it was enjoyable. I thought it was good. I thought it was well-written. I thought it was well-acted. I like that Kieran Culkin guy and I like him and Jesse together. I will recommend the movie if that means anything to you” (04:30).

2. ADHD and Narcissism

The conversation delves into a transformative email Marc received from a coach named Cameron, discussing the intersection of ADHD and perceived narcissistic behaviors. Marc shares, “I didn't even know what I would do with a diagnosis. And I can't tell you that I'm going to go to a professional evaluator” (06:50). Jesse reflects on how societal misunderstandings around ADHD can lead to misconceptions about self-centeredness, adding, “We are attempting to orient ourselves to the new information, but what it looks like is self-centered behavior. In part because it is, but it's not because of narcissism” (09:35).

3. Personal Struggles and Mental Health

Jesse opens up about his own battles with anxiety and trauma, recounting his time in a mental institution at age 13 due to severe anxiety: “I was trying to kill myself in multiple different ways” (34:50). Marc relates by discussing his understanding of anxiety as a form of existential exhaustion, saying, “It's a type of existential exhaustion that I think could appear like depression” (35:30).

4. Family Background and Heritage

The duo explores their Jewish heritage and family backgrounds. Jesse explains, “My mom was a birthday party clown... kind of a hippie-ish clown and a Marxist kind of clown” (28:05), while Marc shares his own experiences growing up in a Jewish family, mentioning, “I was never taught how to use God... I'm certainly proud to be a Jew” (43:03).

5. Creative Process and Writing

Jesse discusses his evolution as a writer, transitioning from playwriting to filmmaking. He speaks about his fascination with trauma tourism, which influenced the narrative of A Real Pain: “I was like, trauma tourism. You know, what's the best way to take...” (44:25). Marc notes the depth of Jesse's characters, stating, “You both specifically have problems” (51:28).

6. Experiences in Acting and Directing

The conversation touches on Jesse's acting philosophy and his experiences behind the camera. Jesse admires actors like Kieran Culkin for their immersive approach: “He was so unbelievably unaware of anything he was doing...” (66:17). Marc shares his own experiences watching his performances, highlighting the discomfort and objectivity it brings: “I can honestly say that I never once went home thinking I should have done it differently” (67:21).

7. Future Projects and Ambitions

Looking ahead, Jesse expresses his desire to continue writing and directing, aiming to produce content that aligns closely with his creative vision: “This is the first thing I've written that people really love... I'm making my next movie in March” (57:52). Marc encourages Jesse's dedication, emphasizing the importance of staying busy to manage anxiety: “You've gotta stay busy or else, you know, what are you left crazy?” (58:45).

8. Reflections on Success and Industry Challenges

Jesse reflects on his varied roles and the unpredictability of the film industry: “It feels like I'm getting internships on these sets... It feels like I'm just trying to do everything” (71:36). Marc acknowledges the complexities of balancing creativity with industry expectations, underscoring the mutual understanding between host and guest regarding personal struggles.

Notable Quotes

• Marc Maron: “I thought it was enjoyable. I thought it was good. I thought it was well-written. I thought it was well-acted.” (04:30)

• Jesse Eisenberg: “I was trying to kill myself in multiple different ways.” (34:50)

• Jesse Eisenberg: “We are attempting to orient ourselves to the new information, but what it looks like is self-centered behavior. In part because it is, but it's not because of narcissism.” (09:35)

• Marc Maron: “I know why you had that feeling... It's very...” (78:35)

• Jesse Eisenberg: “I just try to do everything, and some of them happen and get made.” (58:07)

Conclusion

The episode provides a deep dive into Jesse Eisenberg’s multifaceted career and personal life. From his creative endeavors in writing and directing to his candid discussions about mental health and family, Jesse offers listeners an intimate look at the experiences that shape him both professionally and personally. Marc Maron’s empathetic interviewing style allows for a meaningful dialogue that resonates with both fans of Jesse’s work and those interested in the complexities of creative life.

Additional Resources

• A Real Pain is currently playing in theaters. Jesse Eisenberg invites listeners to watch the film to gain further insight into his directorial vision and performance.

• Previous Episodes: For those interested in Jesse’s co-star Kieran Culkin, Marc recommends Episode 1150, where Kieran appears as a guest. Listen here.

Stay Connected

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