As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for behind-the-scenes stories, I find myself captivated by the unique bond shared between Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Their camaraderie, evident in their latest project “A Real Pain”, is not just confined to the silver screen, but extends back to 2009 when they first crossed paths during the audition for “Adventureland”.
Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin are currently receiving praise for their latest movie, titled “A Real Pain“. Notably, Eisenberg also directs this film. In the movie, they display a comfortable camaraderie as they portray mismatched cousins. It seems that some of this on-screen chemistry was present even back in 2009 when Culkin auditioned for the popular romantic comedy “Adventureland“. Although he didn’t secure a role in the film, he made an impact on Eisenberg during the audition as he became quite affectionate.
On Late Night with Seth Meyers, Eisenberg talked about an unusual encounter he had with Culkin during the time when Kieran was trying out for a part in Adventureland. At that point, Eisenberg had already been chosen for the role as James Brennan, while Culkin was auditioning for a position that demanded the actor to strike Eisenberg in the groin area every five minutes. As the tryout proceeded, it’s fair to say that Culkin went beyond what was requested. Eisenberg described the situation by saying: “During the audition, Culkin took things a step further than asked.
In the scene, Kieran’s character was supposed to repeatedly jab me in a painful area every few minutes, which he did, and then he went on to grab my breasts, squeeze, and twist them. However, the director, Greg Mottola, yelled “Stop! Stop! Stop!” multiple times, but Kieran failed to listen, continuing with his unwanted actions.
The experience didn’t rub Eisenberg the wrong way (well, literally it did), and it actually reminded him why he would be a good choice for A Real Pain because he was comfortable enough to go there in a random audition. The actor jokingly went on to say that he subconsciously thought back to Culkin because he “tortured” him in the past.
“I found myself reflecting on this individual, thinking, ‘He’s a genius. His self-assurance and acting skills were remarkable. The audacity he showed during his performance was astounding. So when it came to deciding who should play the role in [A Real Pain], someone suggested him, and I suddenly realized, ‘He’s the one.’ It wasn’t until later that I understood why he was ideal – because he had caused me distress in the past.
Jesse Eisenberg & Kieran Culkin Are Earning Raves for A Real Pain
Matt Bush eventually secured the role that Culkin originally tried out for in Adventureland, yet it was his collaboration with Eisenberg in A Real Pain that gained them both positive critiques. Notably, Eisenberg not only directed this film but also penned the script where he portrays David, Benji’s cousin in the storyline of Culkin. In an attempt to pay tribute to their grandmother, they embark on a journey through Poland together, but old animosities reemerge during the trip due to their complex family background.
The movie made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, garnering a 93% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for Eisenberg’s directing and writing skills, as well as Culkin’s powerful performance in the film. Critics have particularly highlighted Culkin’s role, often describing it as outstanding and potentially Oscar-worthy if the movie continues to gain recognition. Moreover, Culkin has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performance at the Gotham Awards.
Speaking of Adventureland, the 2009 romantic comedy has developed quite a following, earning it the status of a cult favorite, despite its modest global earnings of $17.2 million at the time of its release. With a production budget of $9.8 million, the movie chronicles the journey of a recent college graduate portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, who decides to work at a local amusement park to fund his dream trip to Europe. Alongside Eisenberg, the film features Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Margarita Levieva in pivotal roles.
A Real Pain
is currently playing in limited release.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-04 05:32