Jesse Eisenberg reflects on his journey with “A Real Pain,” a film exploring identity, resilience, and the complexities of pain through the story of two cousins honoring their Holocaust-survivor grandmother. Set in Poland, the film combines humor and poignant themes, tackling issues of displacement and personal struggles, particularly mental health. Eisenberg, who directed and stars in the film, emphasizes the profound questions regarding meaning amidst suffering, shaped by his own experiences and family dynamics.
Jesse Eisenberg’s Incredible Journey with A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg is still in disbelief over the whirlwind of experiences that have unfolded over the past year, attributing it all to ‘luck.’ This humility suits him well. At the recent Bafta awards, the American actor seemed almost apologetic while accepting the best screenplay award. “I didn’t prepare anything because I didn’t think I would win. My wife didn’t come because she didn’t think I would win,” he shared. This film, A Real Pain, marks his second outing as a director and has roots that trace back about fifteen years, originating from a story he developed with his wife.
A Personal Exploration of Identity and Resilience
Eisenberg, alongside Anna Trout, embarked on a two-week journey through Poland, exploring his ancestral roots. Their travels took them to Kranystaw, the village where his aunt Doris once lived before being forced to flee by the Nazis. This exploration sparked profound questions regarding his identity, which he initially adapted into a play and later transformed into a compelling screenplay for film. A Real Pain, set to hit theaters this Wednesday, narrates the story of two cousins on a journey to honor their recently deceased grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. Joined by a group of tourists, they embark on a journey of self-discovery.
In a recent conversation during his visit to Paris, Eisenberg, who portrays David, one of the cousins, opened up about this deeply personal project that seamlessly blends humor with poignant themes. The film addresses issues of displacement and is both moving and darkly humorous as it critiques memorial tourism.
When asked if A Real Pain is also a story of survival, Eisenberg confirmed, “Absolutely. The cousins participate in a tourist circuit to honor their grandmother, but it also reflects their own struggles in life. My character, David, grapples with anxiety and OCD. The irony is that while they live in safety and comfort, they still feel unhappy. Their grandmother, who survived the Holocaust, carried a sense of purpose that they seem to lack. A Real Pain seeks to explore how to find meaning amidst suffering, a question I continue to ponder myself.”
As for the film’s title, Eisenberg explained, “The phrase ‘A Real Pain’ can refer to a nuisance or symbolize true pain. It raises questions about the nature of pain—what is real pain? Is David’s pain genuine? He takes medication and appears fine. Is Benji’s suffering real? Yes, but it’s also part of his life. The film invites the audience to contemplate these questions.”
The film also delves into the dynamics between the cousins, with Benji calling David ‘wise.’ Eisenberg reflected on whether he could have tackled such complex themes 15 years ago, noting that his earlier play, The Revisionist, already explored similar ideas—juxtaposing modern fortune against significant historical misfortune. “I’ve been contemplating these themes for years,” he admitted.
Describing the film’s tone, Eisenberg noted that humor was a vital aspect of his upbringing. “In my family, humor was essential for respect. The characters in this film are funny and caring, yet they’re acutely aware of the ironies in their lives. Benji recognizes the absurdity of his privilege, while David feels discomfort in his own skin and uses humor to cope. The film reflects a reality that feels authentic to me, blending humor with the complexities of life.”
When discussing his co-star Kieran Culkin, Eisenberg remarked on Culkin’s unpredictability. “Kieran is unique; he didn’t rehearse or want to discuss the script. He thrived on spontaneity, making every take an adventure. It was an unusual experience, but his performance was always brilliant, keeping me on my toes throughout the shoot.”
Filming took place entirely in Poland, including scenes in front of Eisenberg’s aunt Doris’s actual home. He shared that during a poignant scene at the Majdanek camp, Jennifer Grey was so moved that she had to step away. Eisenberg decided against including this scene in the final cut to avoid melodrama. “I wanted to convey the profound sense of numbness I felt when visiting those sites,” he explained. “I aimed for the audience to experience what we experienced.”
Reflecting on the past year since the film premiered at the Sundance Festival, Eisenberg expressed surprise at the success, noting, “It’s purely luck. I created a film last year that went unnoticed. I’ve acted in major films that also didn’t gain traction. It’s all about the unpredictable nature of this industry.”