Exclusive Movie Review: A Real Pain

Are you ready for a deep dive into the world of cinema with the latest movie review of “A Real Pain”? Get ready to be captivated by the compelling storytelling and insightful analysis of this must-watch film.

Kieran Culkin tells a story about desperately not wanting to go to Poland to make Jesse Eisenberg’s odd-couple road movie, “A Real Pain,” and, while every word of it’s true and comes from a deep place in his soul, tied to the love he has for his wife and children, it still feels like a bit of salesmanship for the film.

“The upshot of it is, this movie was so absolutely perfect that I couldn’t say no to it,” I tell Culkin, paraphrasing his pitch. “Like, if it had even one small imperfection, I would have bailed. But no. It was flawless.”

“It’s honestly the truth, and it was disappointing to my wife,” Culkin says. “You should have seen her face fall when I said, ‘I’m going to the other room to read it again. And this time I am going to read it with the perspective of really trying to find holes and really trying to find a reason to go, ‘Actually, this isn’t as good as I thought it was.’”

Full review

Eisenberg, the writer, director and co-star of “A Real Pain,” is sitting next to Culkin. In the movie, they play cousins who travel to Poland to visit the childhood home of their beloved late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. Eisenberg cast himself as the tightly wound introvert and Culkin as the charmer whose exuberance masks a deep inner turmoil.

“Ninety-seven percent of Screen Actors Guild actors are not working,” Eisenberg says to Culkin, “and you’re like, ‘I’m sorry, honey. I have to go make a movie I’m starring in.’”

Did you have any idea that he was wavering?

“What I was doing while he was doing that was shot-listing, buying wardrobe, figuring out and confirming locations and sets,” Eisenberg continues. “To say we were knee-deep in production is an understatement. Two weeks before a movie shoots, you’re kind of shooting the movie. Everything is in place. Every dollar has been spent.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t really aware of how far along you were,” Culkin says, sheepishly. “I didn’t know you were actually out there until I had that conversation with Emma.” Emma is Emma Stone, one of the producers of “A Real Pain,” and the grown-up in the room who took it upon herself to talk Culkin off the ledge and onto a plane to Poland.

“Does it change your perspective about maybe signing on to things that you’re ambivalent about?” Eisenberg asks.

“Yeah, it scares the s— out of me now,” Culkin answers. “I’ve always been terrified about saying yes to something because what if they actually say, ‘OK. We’re going to go do it right now.’ That doesn’t scare you at all? It’s like asking what you want for dinner on a Thursday in March.”

Conclusion

As you can see, Eisenberg and Culkin bring distinct sensibilities to the mismatched characters they play in the film, cousins once close but who have drifted apart. But the two Hollywood veterans, who started acting when they were children, are alike in many ways too — smart, self-described misanthropes who care deeply about their craft and respecting others.

Overall, “A Real Pain” is a light movie with a heavy heart, exploring themes of yearning to connect with your ancestors’ pain while being unwilling to confront any discomfort. The performances of Eisenberg and Culkin elevate the film to a must-watch status, capturing the essence of the characters with depth and nuance.

FAQs

1. What was the inspiration behind the movie “A Real Pain”?

The seed of the idea came from an advertisement Eisenberg saw that read “Auschwitz Tours (With Lunch).” He wanted to explore the irony of yearning for connection with painful history while avoiding discomfort.

2. How did Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg approach their characters?

Culkin played the charmer with inner turmoil, while Eisenberg portrayed the tightly wound introvert. Their distinct sensibilities brought depth to the mismatched cousins they portrayed.

3. How did Culkin’s lack of pretense affect the filming process?

Culkin’s unassuming attitude led to challenges in hitting marks and recalling specific takes. However, his spontaneity and lack of ego brought a unique energy to the character.

4. What are some memorable moments from the filming of “A Real Pain”?

Eisenberg and Culkin shared anecdotes about their experiences on set, including instances where expectations diverged from reality and the challenges of capturing the essence of the characters.

5. How did the actors’ personal experiences influence their performances?

Culkin drew from his life experiences and interactions with other actors to inform his approach to the character. Eisenberg highlighted Culkin’s authenticity and lack of competitiveness as key factors in shaping the film.

6. What are some key themes explored in “A Real Pain”?

The film delves into themes of family, heritage, and the complexities of connecting with painful history. It challenges viewers to confront discomfort and seek meaning in life’s challenges.

7. How did Culkin’s past roles inform his performance in “A Real Pain”?

Culkin reflected on his previous work, including roles in films and television series, that shaped his approach to acting. His experiences in the industry and personal growth contributed to his portrayal of the character.

8. What was the dynamic like between Culkin and Eisenberg on set?

The actors shared a mutual respect for each other’s craft and approach to acting. Their collaboration brought authenticity and depth to the characters, creating a compelling dynamic on screen.

9. How did the cinematographer adapt to Culkin’s performance style?

The cinematographer adjusted to Culkin’s spontaneity and lack of pretense, embracing the challenges of capturing his dynamic presence on screen. The collaborative effort led to a unique visual style in the film.

10. What were some of the standout moments in “A Real Pain” for the actors?

Culkin and Eisenberg recalled memorable moments from filming, including instances where their expectations were challenged and the film took unexpected turns. Their shared experiences enriched the storytelling and added depth to the characters.

Tags

Movie Review, A Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Cinema, Drama