A Real Pain

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Eagerly anticipating the screening of “A Real Pain,” a movie my colleague raved about as both heart-wrenchingly sad and hilarious from 2024, I found myself with no valid excuse to miss it. With invitations to screenings and multiple showings in my hometown, I initially delayed watching it. However, the game-changer was discovering that the dramedy was available on my Hulu subscription. Immersed in the emotional rollercoaster of two estranged cousins reconnecting on a trip through Poland to uncover their late grandmother’s roots, I laughed and cried throughout the movie. Yet, one aspect has lingered in my thoughts since then…

To be honest, I feel like Jesse Eisenberg isn’t getting the recognition he deserves for his work in the movie. While it’s true that he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, it seems his performance has been largely eclipsed by Kieran Culkin’s acclaimed role. In essence, I’ve been wanting to discuss this and share my thoughts on Eisenberg’s underrated acting.

Don’t Get Me Wrong, Kieran Culkin’s Performance Is A Tour De Force

At the outset, I believe Kieran Culkin’s win at the Golden Globe and his nomination for an Oscar (alongside many other accolades) for his role as the vocal and uninhibited Benji Kaplan in “A Real Pain” is completely deserved. This remarkable performance, which I’d even argue takes center stage in the film, evokes memories of several family members and friends of mine.

When I watched the film on Hulu a few weeks back, several words popped into my mind – electric, dynamic, charismatic, and pained. The performance by the former ‘Succession’ cast member left me utterly spellbound, as he seamlessly switched between brilliant comedic moments and raw, deep scenes that felt incredibly real and authentic. Truly, it’s been a while since I’ve encountered such a genuine portrayal in a movie.

It’s Just That Jesse Eisenberg’s Performance Isn’t Getting Talked About Nearly Enough

Just as I adore classics like “The Big Lebowski,” “Tombstone,” and the groundbreaking “Jurassic Park,” the lesser-known gem, “A Real Pain,” shares a unique trait with these films: it’s easy to find oneself more captivated by the supporting characters than the main protagonist. In this case, Jesse Eisenberg’s nuanced portrayal of David Kaplan, who embodies reserve and emotional restraint, is deserving of far more recognition than he currently receives.

As a passionate cinephile, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Eisenberg was unfairly overlooked in the Best Actor category at the Academy Awards, but his deeply moving portrayal in the film seems to have been eclipsed by Culkin’s electrifying and scene-stealing performance. While his writing and direction are rightfully garnering accolades, it’s a bit disheartening that Eisenberg’s exceptional acting in the movie is somewhat being relegated to the sidelines.

If Anything, I Thought David Kaplan Was The Most Relatable Character In A Real Pain

At various points in the movie, I found myself resonating deeply with Benji’s struggles with social etiquette and his tendency to hold onto things, yet for the majority of the time, I found David to be the character I could most identify with. David seemed perpetually on the brink of an anxiety attack, save for occasional instances where he would momentarily let go and appreciate life’s offerings. Quite often, I find myself in a similar state of oscillation.

Eisenberg’s talent for portraying a character who selflessly gives so much of himself to maintain harmony with others, even at the expense of his mental wellbeing, and reflect on his past, present, and future, is truly captivating. It’s clear that such a performance requires great effort, but the authenticity and balance in his acting have left an indelible impression on me since the film ended.

And The Scene Where He Breaks Down At Dinner Is Some Of Eisenberg’s Best Stuff

Among all the fascinating and enchanting sights here, the memory that stands out most vividly for me is the group dinner. Just about an hour into it, Benji, known for his outspoken nature, erupts in another heated outburst and clashes with the tour group, eventually leaving abruptly. With Benji no longer present, David felt at ease to share insights about their intricate relationship, his mental health struggles, and his fear of being a burden on others.

In this extended sequence, the camera predominantly zeroes in on Eisenberg’s character, creating an enchanting experience reminiscent of his powerful monologue at the start of “The Social Network“. The gifted actor delivers a heartfelt soliloquy, expressing sentiments such as “I understand that my pain is ordinary, so I don’t feel compelled to unburden everyone with it,” while discussing his reluctance to share deeply, and “I adore him, I despise him, I wish to eliminate him, and I long to be like him” when expressing complex feelings towards his cousin.

It’s stunning, yet infuriating, as we won’t have the chance to watch that speech excerpted among the Best Actor nominee clips during the Oscars in March.

But At Least He’s Getting Some Recognition For His A Real Pain Screenplay

Jesse Eisenberg first showcased his directing skills with the 2022 film “When You Finish Saving The World“, but it was the poignant “A Real Pain” that truly solidified him as a talented actor stepping into the realm of directing. Despite not being recognized in the Best Actor category at the Oscars, and being overlooked for Best Director (alongside the unrecognized Edward Berger), Eisenberg is receiving acknowledgement for his exceptional screenwriting abilities.

In one of the evening’s most high-stakes races, “A Real Pain” is in contention, but it faces tough competition in the Best Original Screenplay category at the upcoming awards show. Similarly deserving are “Anora” (written by Sean Baker), “The Brutalist” (co-directed by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold), “September 5” (co-written by Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, and Alex David), and “The Substance” (written by Coralie Fargeat). However, I’m rooting for “A Real Pain” to emerge victorious due to its deeply personal and relatable story starring Jesse Eisenberg.

To summarize, I believe Jesse Eisenberg is being significantly underestimated and outshone with regard to his work in “A Real Pain“. It’s my hope that the Academy Awards will acknowledge his talent by presenting him with the Best Original Screenplay award during their ceremony in early March.

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2025-02-01 17:39