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Jesse Eisenberg’s Journey to Understanding Family History

In 2008, Jesse Eisenberg, alongside his wife Anna Strout, embarked on a significant journey to Poland, culminating in their visit to Krasnystaw, the village where Eisenberg’s family resided until 1939. This trip represented not just a vacation, but a deep dive into their ancestral roots.

“Anna’s family comes from the western part of Poland, while mine is from the southeast,” the Oscar-nominated actor reflects, best known for his roles in The Social Network, Fleishman is in Trouble, and Zombieland. “Both families navigated the war in different ways, and we sought to reconnect with those origins.”

Standing before the modest apartment building that served as his family’s home during a time of upheaval, Eisenberg anticipated a powerful sense of closure. Yet, he describes the experience as surprisingly mundane. “We stood there as if in front of just another three-story apartment building,” he shares. This moment of disconnect lingered with him. “It raised a question for me: How can we bridge our past in a way that holds meaning for our present?” He concluded that attempts to connect often felt awkward and lacked the depth we desire.

Fast forward over a decade, Eisenberg found himself adapting a short story into a screenplay that initially seemed to falter. The narrative focused on two friends, Benji and David, who were set to travel to Mongolia. Halfway through writing, he faced the dilemma of whether this concept had the potential for a feature film. “The script wasn’t going well,” he admits, pondering its viability.

During a moment of reflection, a banner advertisement for Auschwitz tours caught his eye, igniting a creative spark. “The ad was cleverly phrased as ‘Auschwitz tours (with lunch)’—a discreet touch,” he quips. This unexpected discovery redirected his project’s trajectory. “I realized that the film should explore a Holocaust tour instead, allowing me to delve into the characters’ personal struggles juxtaposed with a profound historical tragedy.” This revelation led to the creation of A Real Pain.

The film highlights the dynamic between cousins Benji (played by Kieran Culkin) and David (Eisenberg), who embark on a Jewish heritage tour in Poland using funds from their late grandmother, Dory. As they seek to comprehend their family history and Dory’s survival against the odds, they come to understand that their present-day relationship carries more weight than the legacy of the past.

Eisenberg thoughtfully explains, “I was intrigued by placing their contemporary dilemmas against a backdrop of historical significance, allowing me to comment on their lives without overt moralism.” The film poignantly examines how personal pain is perceived in the shadow of great historical suffering.

Culkin portrays Benji as a free-spirited, rebellious character, contrasting with Eisenberg’s more restrained and seemingly stable David. Yet, both characters grapple with inner turmoil, highlighting their evolution from close childhood friends to estranged relatives.

“Their childhood bond was almost sibling-like,” notes Culkin. “As adults, they approach their struggles in vastly different ways.” Culkin initially resisted the idea of taking on a new project following the conclusion of Succession, yet he found Eisenberg’s script too compelling to ignore. “When I read it, I immediately identified with the character,” he recalls. “It’s a rarity to feel that connection.”

A Real Pain is produced by Emma Stone’s company, Fruit Tree, and has garnered considerable acclaim, including the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is also up for multiple Golden Globe nominations and has been recognized as one of the best films of 2024 by publications such as the New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

Stone describes her admiration for Eisenberg’s storytelling ability, noting, “His work is rich with curiosity and personal connection.” She appreciates the complexity and humor in the characters he creates, which renders their experiences both relatable and moving. Eisenberg reflects that the essence of the film lies in the struggle to forge connections with one another rather than solely with their histories. “Their disconnect is the true source of pain—more so than any gap in historical understanding,” he asserts.

Exclusive Interview: Insights from Jesse Eisenberg

During a recent discussion at the Rams Head Inn in Shelter Island, NY, Eisenberg shared revelations about the film, his inspirations, and future projects.

Lessons from Industry Veterans

Having collaborated with noted directors such as Richard Ayoade and David Fincher, what key takeaways did you apply to A Real Pain?

I learned the significance of leadership and empathy. Technical skills can be acquired, but being able to lead and understand diverse individuals on a film set is crucial.

Personal Connections

Is David’s close relationship with his grandma Dory inspired by your own bond with your aunt Doris?

Absolutely. She lived in Poland until she emigrated to the U.S. as a child and shared countless stories from her life there. I promised her that if I ever went to Europe, I would visit and photograph her childhood home.

Unforgettable Memories

Did you fulfill that promise?

I did go back and took a photograph of the building. When I showed it to her, I expected an emotional reaction, yet she responded nonchalantly, as if it was completely normal. It underscored my realization that true connections to the past often come from personal stories and lived experiences.

Casting Choices

Were you initially inclined to cast yourself as Benji?

Initially, I wrote the film without the intention of acting in it; I felt it was important to include an actor to attract producers. I thought I could play the role effectively, but Emma Stone advised me against it, emphasizing that directing requires a clear leadership role.

What’s Next?

You are set to direct Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti in an upcoming community theater film. Can you share more details?

Julianne portrays a shy woman who joins a community theater run by Paul, who pushes her to adopt an intense acting method. It’s been a personal journey for me because community theater has been a significant part of my life.

Eisenberg’s creativity continues to resonate, showing how his artistic endeavors reflect both personal history and broader human experiences.

The exploration of familial bonds, identity, and the quest for understanding remains central, making A Real Pain a powerful cinematic experience that invites audiences to reflect on their history while navigating their present.

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