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Jesse Eisenberg Reflects on Success and Ancestry Over Chocolate Babka

Celebrated actor and director Jesse Eisenberg recently shared his thoughts on life, success, and heritage during a visit to Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, a locale he appreciates for its traditional Jewish fare. Joined by correspondent Tracy Smith, the conversation unfolded over shared plates of chocolate babka and dill pickles, with Eisenberg humorously commenting, “This is the real test.”

Last week was particularly noteworthy for Eisenberg, as he received his second Oscar nomination, this time for best original screenplay for his recent film, “A Real Pain.” However, rather than basking in the glow of recognition, the actor admitted to feelings of discomfort with such praise. “I’m not really wired to enjoy praise,” he explained. “I think it triggers some guilt response in my brain… but I love actually doing my job.” He expressed gratitude for finding fulfillment in his work, indicating a deeper appreciation for the creative process itself.

“A Real Pain,” which Eisenberg not only wrote and directed but also starred in alongside Kieran Culkin, explores the journey of two cousins venturing to Poland to connect with their ancestral roots and visit the home of their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. The film’s inception was inspired by an unexpected source: “I was about 30 pages into the script and realized something was missing,” he recounted. While struggling with the narrative, an advertisement for “Auschwitz tours” intriguingly popped up on his screen, highlighting the stark contrast of its promotional tagline, “with lunch.” This juxtaposition struck a chord, steering the direction of his screenplay and highlighting the emotional complexities faced by his characters.

“Dude, we are Jews on a train in Poland, think about it… Like, eating fancy food and sitting up here, when 80 years ago we would’ve been herded into the backs of these things like cattle?” Eisenberg mused, expressing the profound irony that underpins the film’s narrative.

Alongside his artistic endeavors, Eisenberg’s personal history is deeply intertwined with the themes of his film. He shared that he is of Polish descent and has relatives who were victims of the Holocaust. Reflecting on his privileged existence, he noted the stark contrast between his life and that of his ancestors who endured unimaginable hardships. “I walk around New York City, like, kind of miserable,” he commented, adding that despite knowing he comes from a lineage of survivors, he struggles with feelings of discontent. “I recognize objectively, like, I’m not a happy person… I’m constantly trying to reconcile my fortunate life with how I feel about things,” he explained.

Eisenberg’s journey into acting began in New Jersey, where he felt out of place during his childhood. Over time, he gained prominence in Hollywood, notably with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Following the pandemic’s onset in 2020, he and his wife, Anna Strout, returned to Indiana, where they spent their time volunteering at a domestic violence shelter. This experience, he revealed, was among the happiest times of his life. “I loved being able to accomplish something where there was no critique,” he reflected on the simple yet meaningful work.

Despite his apparent success, Eisenberg acknowledges the pressures associated with his profession. He finds particular challenge in playing characters like the confident illusionist in the “Now You See Me” franchise, which requires embodying a persona vastly different from his own. “It’s the only time I ever walk away thinking, ‘I did a good job today,'” he stated, likening the experience to a form of therapy. He noted that this confidence often extends to his personal life, at least momentarily, while on set.

As for the reception of “A Real Pain,” Eisenberg expressed a mix of gratitude and trepidation. “Oh, yeah, I assume a piano is gonna fall on my head every day,” he stated, highlighting his perpetual awareness that success is often accompanied by the fear of impending misfortune. “I’m so lucky… and the way my mind works is… this lucky thing must mean this horrible upcoming thing,” he elaborated, a sentiment that reflects his ongoing struggle to balance optimism and anxiety.

Watch an extended interview with Jesse Eisenberg:

To see a trailer for “A Real Pain,” click on the video player below:

A REAL PAIN | Official Trailer | Searchlight Pictures by Searchlight Pictures on YouTube

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