Jesse Eisenberg was caught off guard when he learned that Kieran Culkin might withdraw from participating in his upcoming film, “A Real Pain.” With only a few weeks left before filming was set to commence in Poland, Eisenberg and the crew were already on location, prepared to begin the project. This film is particularly meaningful to Eisenberg, as he embraced his Polish roots—instigated by his aunt—during his teenage years, leading him to pen a narrative that reflects these experiences.
After years of brewing in his mind, the story centers around two cousins embarking on a Holocaust tour following their grandmother’s passing. It intricately balances themes of deep emotional pain with comic relief, reminiscent of a charming odd-couple road trip. The character of David, portrayed as slightly anxious and neurotic, contrasts with his cousin Benji, who has a more impulsive demeanor— a role Culkin had initially signed up to play.
Culkin expressed a strong connection to Benji right from the start. “I felt creatively inclined to be part of this project,” he said. However, Culkin’s commitment to the final season of “Succession,” where he portrayed Roman Roy, unexpectedly extended his filming schedule. This left him with dwindling family time and a wish to withdraw from his role in “A Real Pain.” The news of his potential exit reached the production team, led by Emma Stone, Dave McCary, and Ali Herting, who momentarily kept the information under wraps.
Herting noted, “We completely understood his position, but we were overtaken by anxiety. He was due to fly out soon, and there wasn’t a window to find a replacement.” Luckily, they had a solid relationship with Culkin through Stone, who reached out to him in a mix of professionalism and understanding. Culkin recalled their conversation, describing it as a “reverse psychology thing,” where Stone acknowledged the reality of the situation while assuring him about her ability to manage it if he decided to back out.
That phone call turned Culkin’s decision around; “I think it was that moment when I realized I’m doing this movie,” he mentioned. However, the challenges didn’t end there. Securing the film’s financing was initially tough until Topic Studios stepped in, eager to take part due to its unique storyline.
Ryan Heller, the vice president of film and acquisitions at Topic, stated, “We were enthusiastic about the project; it had a clear trajectory that was both deep and personal—an exceptional combination.” Filming in Poland posed its own set of logistical hurdles, especially with the sensitive backdrop of the former concentration camp Majdanek for certain scenes. As the first production at this solemn site, tensions began to mount.
In the initial week of filming, tension also emanated from the on-set dynamics between Culkin and Eisenberg, particularly concerning Eisenberg’s meticulous planning. Herting observed that each actor, while collaborating, had to find their footing in terms of directing notes and improvisation which added to the atmosphere of the shoot. As filming progressed, their rapport grew. Herting noted that their characters experienced similar growth in the story, eventually yielding a tender bond that both actors embraced.
As the filming continued, Eisenberg adapted his approach to include more improvisation, prompting a favorable shift in the atmosphere. By the time they were deep into production, camaraderie and respect blossomed between Culkin and Eisenberg, resulting in scenarios that surpassed Eisenberg’s original concepts.
The film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival was a milestone they anticipated, but they were unsure how it would resonate with audiences. Eisenberg had faced a subdued reception previously with his first project. However, “A Real Pain” defied expectations, earning strong acclaim right from its debut, leading to fruitful discussions with potential distributors.
Eisenberg recounted, “This was the culmination of years of pitching to various companies,” expressing both awe and a hint of shyness at the rapid interest from distributors following the premiere. Just the next day, conversations were buzzing during lunch, leaving Eisenberg barely a moment to enjoy his food. He recalls a significant moment when he glanced at Culkin, knowing promising news was on the way. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Culkin captured a snapshot of this pivotal moment, which soon led to Searchlight acquiring the film for $10 million, coupled with a theatrical release promise.
The journey for “A Real Pain” continues as awards season looms. Eisenberg expressed a bittersweet feeling towards the judgment that may follow the film’s reception. Interestingly, both he and Culkin have been pleased with how viewers connect with the characters, even manifesting differently across various audiences. In Telluride, Benji elicited laughter, while in London, reactions were more contemplative, showcasing the film’s multifaceted nature.
Daniel Oreskes’ character, Mark, adds a poignant dynamic to the story, succinctly voicing skepticism about Benji’s charm, indicating that the film does not simply portray a singular hero, but rather a spectrum of perspectives. Initially, Eisenberg envisioned playing Benji himself, but he later recognized the overload such a role would create, ultimately appreciating his casting as David. When asked about swapping roles, Culkin humorously responded, “There’s just no way,” reiterating an understanding of each role’s unique challenges.
The collaborative and sometimes unexpected journey of creating “A Real Pain” illustrates the beauty of independence and creativity in filmmaking, where each actor’s journey offers rich narratives that audiences are eager to explore.