journalfront

Movies

Uncovering the Intergenerational Echoes of Holocaust Trauma in "A Real Pain"

2024-11-01

The article delves into the nuanced portrayal of Holocaust trauma in Jesse Eisenberg's film "A Real Pain," challenging the conventional narratives often found in popular art about the Holocaust. It explores how the film subverts the typical "lesson plan" approach, instead focusing on the intergenerational impact of trauma and the complex relationships between the characters.

Uncovering the Subtle Truths of Generational Trauma

Redefining the Holocaust Film Narrative

Traditionally, Holocaust films have often followed a predictable pattern, using the tragedy as a vehicle for catharsis and moral lessons. However, Eisenberg's "A Real Pain" takes a refreshingly different approach, refusing to treat the Holocaust as mere fodder for blockbuster narratives. The film's close-up on the tortured face of Benji Kaplan, played with raw intensity by Kieran Culkin, sets the tone for a story that delves into the subtleties of trauma's trickle-down effect.Unlike the redemptive arcs commonly found in Holocaust films, "A Real Pain" does not ask the millions of victims to become supporting characters in a larger moral journey. Instead, it explores how trauma manifests in the lives of the descendants, challenging the notion that a transformative experience is guaranteed by the end of such a story.

Navigating the Complexities of Intergenerational Trauma

The film's central characters, cousins David and Benji, embark on a Jewish-heritage tour of Poland, a journey intended to connect them with their family's past. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the trip does not offer the expected catharsis or revelation. Rather, it serves to highlight the intricate dynamics between the two men, each grappling with the legacy of their grandmother's experiences in their own unique ways.Eisenberg skillfully portrays the contrast between David's attempts to suppress his pain and Benji's more volatile and expressive nature. This dichotomy underscores the diverse ways in which trauma can be processed and passed down through generations, defying simplistic narratives.

Subverting the Expectations of Holocaust Pilgrimage

The film's exploration of the Jewish-heritage tour subverts the common tropes associated with such journeys. Rather than finding profound meaning or emotional breakthroughs at the sites of historical significance, the characters are met with a sense of anticlimax and dissonance. The visit to the Majdanek death camp, for instance, elicits a reaction from Benji that is more personal than a direct response to the horrors of the past.By drawing attention to the self-awareness of the characters as they navigate these charged spaces, Eisenberg undermines the notion of a transformative experience. The film's prosaic encounters with places of Jewish life and death highlight the difficulty of truly grasping the weight of history, even for those directly connected to it.

Challenging the Conventions of Holo-Kitsch

Eisenberg's film also stands in contrast to the "holo-kitsch" that Art Spiegelman has criticized, where the trauma of the Holocaust is often reduced to a narrative device or a means of eliciting emotional responses. The climactic scene in "A Real Pain" takes place not in a gas chamber or other iconic setting, but in a Jewish-themed restaurant, with the characters grappling with their own vulnerabilities and the dissonance between their family's history and their own experiences.By resisting the temptation to rely on the visual and emotional tropes commonly associated with Holocaust narratives, Eisenberg forces the audience to confront the complexities of trauma and its intergenerational impact. The film's refusal to provide a neat, cathartic resolution serves as a powerful commentary on the enduring nature of trauma and the challenges of reconciling personal experiences with the weight of history.

Exploring the Fragility of the Survivor's Descendants

At the heart of "A Real Pain" lies the relationship between David and Benji, whose differences highlight the diverse ways in which the legacy of the Holocaust can manifest. While David represents a more controlled and outwardly stable response to his family's history, Benji's volatile and self-involved behavior exposes a deep-seated fragility that defies the expectations of how a survivor's descendant should behave.Eisenberg's portrayal of Benji's mental illness and his desperate desire to feel, despite his distance from the actual trauma, challenges the notion of a linear, transformative journey. The film's refusal to provide a clear-cut explanation for Benji's struggles serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of intergenerational trauma and the ways in which it can shape the lives of those who did not directly experience the horrors of the past.

Welcome to our curated column, "Horror Explorer," where we delve into the month's most captivating movies, series, books, and all things spooky worth your attention. I'm William Earl, the editor of Variety.com and a dedicated horror enthusiast. If there's something you think I should check out for next month's edition, please don't hesitate to reach out at wearl@variety.com.

Uncover the Chilling Secrets Lurking in the Shadows

Marquee Madness: Prepare for Nerve-Shredding Thrills

Brace yourself for a nerve-shredding, thoughtful, and beautifully shot tale of terror with "Heretic" (In theaters on Nov. 8 from A24). This film follows two Mormon missionaries, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who knock on the wrong door, only to find themselves in a sinister encounter with the unsettling Hugh Grant. Filled with riveting discussions about faith and bold performances from the central trio, "Heretic" marks a significant departure from the previous works of writers-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their contributions to "A Quiet Place" and "65." Prepare to be captivated by this thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience.Delve into the rich history and behind-the-scenes secrets of the "Child's Play" franchise with the epic five-hour documentary "Doc of Chucky" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 1). Directed by one of the producers behind "Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy" and "Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th," this comprehensive exploration is sure to delight Chucky diehards with its in-depth insights and revelations.Embrace the old-school slasher vibes with "He Never Left" (In theaters on Nov. 1 from Dread), where a wanted fugitive becomes convinced that the notorious Pale Face Killer has returned after hearing strange noises from the motel room next door. Solid performances, particularly from lead actor Colin Cunningham, and a promising premise suggest that this indie horror could be the start of a thrilling new franchise.Dive into the mystery and suspense of "Cellar Door" (In theaters on Nov. 1 from Lionsgate), where a rich man, played by the esteemed Laurence Fishburne, offers a couple, portrayed by Scott Speedman and Jordana Brewster, a free mansion with one condition: they must never open the eponymous cellar door. The guessing game begins as the audience wonders what lies behind that forbidden threshold and whether the couple's curiosity will lead them to uncover the secrets within.

Off the Beaten Path: Discover Hidden Gems of Horror

Nick Frost takes on the role of a cab driver from hell in the contained yet kinetic ghost story "Black Cab" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 8). With sympathetic performances from Synnøve Karlsen and Luke Norris as his kidnapped couple, director Bruce Goodison skillfully doles out twists and secrets, creating a captivating and unsettling viewing experience.Fans of the found footage serial killer films "Creep" and "Creep 2" will be delighted to dive into the spinoff series "The Creep Tapes" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 15). This long-awaited collection of six new nightmares from Peachfuzz's VHS collection is a sweet treat for devotees, making the time since 2017's "Creep 2" well worth the wait.

Frightening Festivals: Immerse Yourself in the Cutting Edge of Horror

The Soho Horror Film Festival in London (Nov. 22-24) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic "The Blair Witch Project" by showcasing some international debuts of ambitious found footage films. Attendees can look forward to experiencing Tim Kasher's "Who's Watching," Stuart Ortiz's "Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire," and Koji Shiraishi's "House Of Sayuri," all of which promise to push the boundaries of the genre and offer a fresh perspective on the found footage format.

As the holiday season shifts from the spooky thrills of Halloween to the cozy comforts of Thanksgiving, a new wave of captivating films is making its way to the comfort of our living rooms. From the controversial rise of a real-estate mogul-turned-political powerhouse to the emotional journey of a pop star haunted by supernatural forces, this November's premium video-on-demand (PVOD) offerings promise to transport us to worlds both familiar and fantastical. Prepare to be enthralled, entertained, and perhaps even a little unsettled as we explore the best new movies coming to your screens this month.

Unlock the Secrets of the Apprentice: A Cinematic Exploration of Power and Persona

Unveiling the Rise of a Controversial Icon

Directed by the acclaimed Ali Abbasi, "The Apprentice" is a cinematic exploration of the ascendance of Donald J. Trump, charting his transformation from an ordinary real-estate mogul in the 1970s to the king of New York in the 1980s. Described as a riff on the classic tale of Frankenstein, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Trump and his mentor, the notorious Roy Cohn, played by the talented Jeremy Strong. Through this lens, the movie reveals how Trump's persona was built upon Cohn's philosophies, including his unwavering refusal to concede defeat and his relentless pursuit of victory, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Challenging Perceptions of Appearance and Identity

Doubling down on the star power, "The Apprentice" also features a captivating performance from Sebastian Stan, who takes on a very different role from his Winter Soldier persona. In this film, Stan portrays a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a radical procedure to alter his appearance. However, the movie's true gem is the arrival of the phenomenal Adam Pearson, whose charming and comfortable presence on screen brings the film's themes of inner character and self-acceptance to the forefront. Pearson's recent Gotham Award nomination is a testament to the power of his performance, and it's sure to spark an awards-season run that will rightfully bring him the recognition he deserves.

Coppola's Megalomaniacal Masterpiece (or Misfire?)

In a bold and ambitious move, the legendary Francis Ford Coppola has finally brought his dream project, "Megalopolis," to the screen. Spending over $100 million of his own money to realize his vision, Coppola's film presents a future where an architect, played by Adam Driver, can manipulate time and reality – a concept not unlike the power of a filmmaker. While the themes of the movie may be muddled, and some of the acting may be questionable, one cannot help but admire the sheer commitment to craft on display. Coppola's willingness to take wild, sweeping swings with his filmmaking is a testament to the enduring spirit of artistic expression, even if the results don't always land with perfection.

Lorne Michaels' Backstage Antics: A Glimpse into the Birth of SNL

Shifting gears, director Jason Reitman's latest offering, "The Saturday Night Live Story," offers a loose chronicle of the 100 or so minutes leading up to the premiere episode of the most influential TV show in history. Featuring a talented ensemble cast that includes the likes of Gabriel LaBelle, Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Braun, Cooper Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, and Matthew Rhys, the film delves into the behind-the-scenes chaos as Lorne Michaels, played by LaBelle, tries to wrangle his cast of not-yet-ready-for-prime-time players into a cohesive whole before the cameras go live.

The Terrifying Encore of Art the Clown

For those seeking a more visceral cinematic experience, the third installment of the "Terrifier" franchise, directed by Damien Leone, is sure to satisfy. Bringing back the sociopathic clown, Art, the film largely repeats the pros and cons of its predecessor – stunning makeup effects, a captivating performance from the lead actor, and a story that struggles to maintain the audience's interest. However, for fans of the increasingly popular franchise, this latest offering is more than enough to scratch the itch for pure, unadulterated horror. The "Terrifier" movies have become a refreshing counterpoint to the "elevated horror" genre, offering a study in raw, uncompromising gore that has struck a chord with audiences craving something truly unsettling.

A Bittersweet Romance Told in Reverse

Rounding out the PVOD offerings this November is the moving romantic dramedy "Love's Labors," starring the dynamic duo of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The film's unique twist lies in its non-linear storytelling, as the love story is told out of chronological order, shifting back and forth through the early days of the relationship, the challenges of starting a family, and the heartbreak of a cancer diagnosis. This unconventional approach allows the clichés of the genre to be more easily swallowed, but the real draw of the film is the captivating performances of Garfield and Pugh. The former Spider-Man star, in particular, showcases his remarkable ability to convey the depths of emotion, cementing his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.