Jesse Eisenberg, known for roles in "The Social Network" and "Zombieland", discusses his directorial debut, "A Real Pain", exploring themes of mental health and historical trauma during a Jewish heritage tour in Poland. Pamela Anderson, famed for "Baywatch", shares her journey in "The Last Showgirl", where she portrays a veteran Vegas dancer facing career challenges. Both guests reflect on personal struggles, resilience, and the complexities of fame, intertwining their artistic pursuits with deep familial connections.
Jesse Eisenberg's film A Real Pain raises important questions about the nature of pain, contrasting personal struggles with historical atrocities like the Holocaust.
Eisenberg's character grapples with OCD during a Jewish heritage tour, illustrating the psychological impact of confronting collective trauma and personal identity.
Pamela Anderson discusses her career comeback in The Last Showgirl, reflecting on the emotional challenges faced by a veteran performer nearing the end of her iconic journey.
Deep dives
Exploring Real Pain
The film examines the complex nature of pain, asking what constitutes real suffering. Characters wrestle with profound questions: Is emotional pain, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression, valid in the shadow of historical atrocities like the Holocaust? The protagonist, David, struggles with his medicated OCD while reflecting on the trauma of his family’s past, particularly his grandmother's survival. This comparison raises philosophical discussions about the acknowledgment of personal struggles versus the horrific collective experiences of war and genocide.
A Unique Setting for Reflection
The story unfolds during a Jewish heritage tour in Poland, leading the cousins to significant sites, including the Majdanek death camp. Eisenberg's character battles his internal issues while grappling with the contrast between their comfortable tour experience and the grim realities of the camp. The character Benji experiences existential turmoil, feeling manic in social situations but deeply depressed privately, highlighting the juxtaposition between societal expectations and personal struggles. The film depicts how historical contexts force contemporary individuals to confront their identities amid overwhelming reminders of suffering.
Creation of the Film
The film's genesis stemmed from Eisenberg's initial unsuccessful project about characters in Mongolia, which transformed upon encountering an ad for Auschwitz tours. This pivotal moment prompted Eisenberg to explore the awkwardness of 'tragedy tourism' and its implications on social consciousness. He highlights the intricate relationship people have with sites of horror, questioning why we seek to visit these locations while desiring comfort. This unique blend of existential inquiry and personal narrative ultimately shaped the film's direction and thematic depth.
Tackling Mental Health
Both lead characters grapple with mental health issues that are exacerbated during their emotionally charged trip, emphasizing the film's relevance in discussions about mental health. Eisenberg's character showcases the struggles of living with OCD, illustrating how even comfortable lives can mask deeper emotional conflicts. Meanwhile, Culkin's character represents the extroverted facade often used to mask internal despair, revealing the tragic disconnect that can exist within family dynamics. The film encourages viewers to reconsider how they perceive and validate varying forms of suffering in the modern world.
Filming in Hallowed Ground
Filming scenes at the Majdanek death camp presented significant ethical challenges, which Eisenberg addressed with utmost care. Initially faced with the prospect of recreating the camp, Eisenberg advocated for filming a modern tour group to preserve the memory of the site respectfully. His approach involved collaborating with the site’s caretakers, who appreciated his respectful intentions, ultimately allowing him to film there. The process underscored the delicate balance between artistic expression and historical reverence, aiming to honor the past while engaging contemporary audiences.
Jesse Eisenberg talks about writing, directing and starring in the film A Real Pain. Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin play cousins who go to Poland on a Jewish Heritage Tour. One of the stops is the Majdanek death camp. He spoke with Terry Gross about questions the film raises. Also, we hear from Pamela Anderson. In the new film, The Last Showgirl, she stars as a veteran Vegas dancer who must face the end of her legendary show. She talked with Tonya Mosley about her big career comeback.
