Italian
Jesse Eisenberg shines at the American Film Festival in Poland
A heartfelt homecoming with “A Real Pain”
Actor and director Jesse Eisenberg was recently honored with the Indie Star Award at the American Film Festival held in Poland. This was not just a moment of recognition for his cinematic contributions but also an opportunity for Eisenberg to engage with the local audience about his latest film, “A Real Pain.”
“Two years ago, I was finishing the script. You start the very embarrassing process of begging producers to give you money to make it,” Eisenberg shared with a laugh. “When they asked me how I’d describe the movie, I told them: ‘I want to make an American indie film, but in Poland.’”
Blending cultures: an American indie spirit in Poland
Eisenberg has a rich history with American independent films, both as an actor and as a creator. “I didn’t want to make another version of an intimate American buddy movie,” he explained. “What I was trying to tell these financiers was that there hasn’t been a movie like this, about these two guys exploring their past, but set against the backdrop of this amazing, beautiful country.”
“A Real Pain,” featuring an impressive cast including Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes, follows two cousins as they journey to Poland to explore their family roots and honor their late grandmother.
Celebrated by festival leaders
The festival director praised Eisenberg for his remarkable career, noting his “range, depth, and fearless exploration of characters.” He first gained widespread admiration with his role in “The Squid and the Whale,” proving his ability to portray complex, thoughtful, and sometimes troubled individuals. Roles in films like ”Adventureland,” “Zombieland,” and “The Social Network” further solidified his reputation, with the latter seeing him portraying Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.
“But it’s his dedication to independent cinema that truly sets him apart,” noted the festival director, highlighting films such as “Night Moves,” “The Art of Self-Defense,” and “Sasquatch Sunset” as prime examples of his talent in diving deep into characters on society’s fringes.
Diversity in storytelling
Eisenberg’s engagement with independent cinema is truly a testament to his love for storytelling that challenges and provokes. He said, “Whether on screen or behind the camera, Jesse’s work reflects a truth that’s sometimes uncomfortable, often hilarious, and always deeply affecting.”
In a moderated Q&A session, Eisenberg delved into the personal motivations behind “A Real Pain.” He revealed that his grandfather, although born in the U.S., had family in Krasnystaw, Poland, who perished under tragic circumstances during World War II. This deeply personal connection inspired Eisenberg, who has since obtained Polish citizenship, to pursue a story that resonates on a universal level.
“My hope with this movie is that everyone from any country is watching it, thinking: ‘I want to do the same thing. Why have I never asked my parents where they’re from, or where our name comes from?’”
The shift from Mongolia to Poland
Interestingly, Eisenberg’s original script was set in Mongolia. “The characters were going to live in yurts, and it was pretty funny,” he remarked. However, an online ad for Auschwitz tours prompted him to revisit his roots, ultimately reshaping his story to reflect his heritage and connection to Poland.
“I realized this was the story,” Eisenberg explained. “It’s such a strange idea, this tourism of tragedy.”
Eisenberg captured the emotional disconnect that often accompanies revisiting historical traumas. “I remember standing in front of my family’s house, not having any kind of catharsis. I didn’t belong there anymore,” he said, conveying the profound sense of alienation his characters experience.
Praise for the production team
Eisenberg did not shy away from commending his Polish colleagues, led by producer Ewa Puszczyńska. “Emma Stone, who’s one of our producers, kept saying: ‘This is the most incredible crew.’ And she’s been on the greatest sets in the world.”
A hallmark of Eisenberg’s filmmaking ethos is the deeply personal essence embedded in his narratives. “Everything I write is personal,” he confessed. His next project will focus on musical theater in New Jersey, inspired by his own experiences.
Humor and tragedy are intricately woven into Eisenberg’s storytelling fabric. “My background is in theater, and I’ve been writing plays for 20 years,” he said with a note of amusement. “I’m going to do that forever.”
Previously, the Indie Star Award was bestowed upon notable figures such as John Waters, Jerry Schatzberg, Todd Solondz, and the producer of “Aftersun,” Adele Romanski.
Stay tuned for more from this remarkable filmmaker as he continues to explore and share stories that are both profoundly personal and universally relatable. Don’t miss out on the latest updates; follow our site for more cinematic insights and adventures.
