This Fresh Air interview focuses on Jesse Eisenberg's new film, "A Real Pain," which he wrote, directed, and stars in. The conversation begins with an overview of Eisenberg's career and then delves into the inspiration for the film, stemming from a Jewish heritage tour ad and his own experiences with mental health. Eisenberg discusses the film's themes of suffering, both personal and historical, contrasting the experiences of his character with his cousin's, played by Kieran Culkin. A specific example is the scene filmed at the Majdanek death camp, highlighting the respectful approach taken by the filmmakers. The interview concludes with Eisenberg reflecting on his personal struggles with mental health and how his acting career has helped him cope.
