Mark Zuckerberg
Hollywood star Jesse Eisenberg, best known for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 hit film The Social Network, has openly criticized the Facebook founder, claiming that he has transformed from having a “sense of righteousness” to becoming “somebody obsessed with power.”
In an interview with AFP, Eisenberg reflected on his initial portrayal of Zuckerberg in the David Fincher-directed movie, which played a significant role in shaping Facebook’s public image. At the time, Eisenberg approached the role with empathy, as actors are required to justify and understand their characters.
“I saw the [Zuckerberg] character as someone who could grasp certain things much faster than others, someone who had a sense of righteousness stemming from his brilliance,” Eisenberg explained.
However, more than a decade later, Eisenberg has reassessed his view. With Zuckerberg aligning his political stance closer to Donald Trump’s new administration and reducing fact-checking on Facebook’s U.S. platform, Eisenberg sees a stark shift in the tech mogul’s persona.
“You kind of wonder, ‘Oh, so this person didn’t evolve into a profile in courage. This person evolved into somebody obsessed with avarice and power.’ That’s quite interesting for me as an actor who once thought a lot about him,” Eisenberg, now 41, remarked.
His performance in The Social Network brought him international fame and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. This year, Eisenberg is set to make a return to the Academy Awards on March 2, this time as a filmmaker. His latest movie, A Real Pain, which he wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Succession actor Kieran Culkin, has garnered critical acclaim.
The comedy-drama follows two Jewish cousins on a Holocaust tour in Poland. The film has received two Oscar nominations—Eisenberg for Best Original Screenplay and Culkin for Best Supporting Actor.
Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last year, A Real Pain has received glowing reviews and has been widely released across American and European cinemas. Critics have praised the sharp dialogue between Eisenberg’s and Culkin’s characters, David and Benji, particularly in how humor and mental health struggles intertwine with the film’s narrative, offering a fresh perspective on both Holocaust and road movie genres.
Eisenberg’s connection to the film runs deep. The script was shaped by his personal experiences, including his Polish heritage—his grandparents fled the Nazis—and his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety.
“David’s life is very similar to mine. The pills David takes in the movie are the same ones I take. The prop department even asked if they could use my actual pills,” Eisenberg revealed.
But his understanding extends beyond David’s character. “I’ve also been Benji. I’ve been to the depths that Benji has reached emotionally,” he added.
At its core, the film grapples with existential guilt, something Eisenberg has long contemplated.
“How is it possible that I feel self-pity or struggle to get out of bed when my grandparents’ generation was on the verge of being slaughtered?” he questioned. His reflections on heritage led him to apply for and receive Polish nationality after filming.
Initially, Eisenberg hesitated to cast Kieran Culkin, who is not Jewish, in the film. However, he ultimately realized Culkin was the perfect fit.
“Once we moved past that specific concern, it was clear that he was the only person who could truly bring the character to life,” Eisenberg explained.
Culkin’s “unusual energy,” impeccable timing, and intelligence made him a standout, even if he frequently challenged Eisenberg’s authority as a director.
“I was directing, sure, but Kieran led the day. I’d set up a shot, and he’d make fun of me, saying it was stupid,” Eisenberg joked.
While Eisenberg enjoys acting and directing—A Real Pain follows his 2022 directorial debut When You Finish Saving the World—he admits that his most fulfilling experience came outside the film industry.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered at a domestic violence shelter run by his mother-in-law.
“I was there every day, and I had never been happier in my life,” he said.
