Kieran Culkin pokes fun at Jesse Eisenberg for not knowing his work before casting
NEW YORK − The New York Film Festival celebrated Jesse Eisenberg’s birthday with a grand premiere for his new film.
“A Real Pain,” Eisenberg’s latest directorial effort, premiered on Saturday, coincidentally his 41st birthday. At the end of a Q&A session following the screening, stars Kieran Culkin and producer Emma Stone held their microphones out to the audience, allowing them to collectively shout “Happy Birthday” to Eisenberg, who participated virtually while dressed in what he called his “birthday tux.”
Fortunately for Eisenberg, there was no singing, and he humorously expressed relief by saying, “My wish has come true.”
In addition to directing and writing, Eisenberg also stars in “A Real Pain” alongside Culkin. During the lighthearted Q&A, Eisenberg admitted he “wasn’t really familiar” with Culkin’s work before selecting him for the role.
“Completely unfamiliar,” Culkin joked. “And you act like it’s usual to cast someone without an audition or even having seen their work.” He brought it up again later, laughing, “I had no clue you didn’t know my work.”
After Eisenberg explained that he was attracted to Culkin’s “unique essence,” Culkin cheekily responded, “You met me, like, twice − just in passing! And decided, ‘Take this job.’ That’s odd!”
But Eisenberg believes Culkin is the ideal choice to embody the film’s complex mix of humor and sorrow. “Is there a better actor out there who can do this blend with such charisma and depth?” he posed.
In “A Real Pain,” Eisenberg and Culkin portray David and Benji, two Jewish cousins embarking on a journey through Poland to visit their deceased grandmother’s childhood home. The film skillfully balances a comedic road trip reminiscent of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” with poignant reflections on the Holocaust.
One of the film’s most intense scenes shows the characters visiting a concentration camp, leaving a significant impact on the actors. Jennifer Grey, who plays another tour member, shared that she felt physically ill during the scene and was so shaken that Culkin had to comfort her afterward. “There are no words to describe what I felt. I can only guess it was some form of generational grief,” she commented.
Eisenberg’s connection to the story is personal, given his family history in Poland. He has taken the same tour showcased in “A Real Pain” and even filmed parts of the movie at his aunt’s childhood home.
By producing “A Real Pain,” Stone deepened her collaboration with Eisenberg, with whom she previously starred in 2009’s “Zombieland.” Before the screening, the Oscar-winning actress recalled how she initially “fell in love” with Eisenberg not only as an actor but also as a writer. “I’ve known Jesse for a really long time,” Stone mentioned during the Q&A, noting how wonderful it has been to witness his evolution into a skilled director.
However, Culkin shines brightly in “A Real Pain,” garnering laughter throughout the screening and effectively delivering both humor and emotional moments in the same scene.
Culkin is anticipated to receive a best supporting actor Oscar nomination. He shared with the audience that he tried to back out of the film several times, only to realize the project would struggle to continue without him. “When (Eisenberg) approached me about it, it was a year ahead,” Culkin explained. “I thought, ‘Yeah, yeah. That’s next year. No problem. I’m basically a goner. Let’s do it.’ And then it became a reality.”
In the film, David and Benji have contrasting personalities for comedic effect, with David being socially awkward and Benji being affable yet blunt. In real life, both actors noted their differences but Culkin found it surprising that this was unexpected to Eisenberg.
“Once, you visited my trailer and asked me, ‘Did you believe you and I would be similar?’ ” Culkin recounted, speaking to Eisenberg. “I replied, ‘No, did you?’ And you said, ‘I did.’ Then you walked off, pondering.”
To highlight their differences, Eisenberg humorously remarked, “Kieran mentioned he lives in what he termed ‘the moment.’ I found that quite intriguing.”
“A Real Pain” is scheduled for release in theaters on November 1.
