Oscar Watch: Social Network's Eisenberg Talks Zuckerberg, Guilt, Perfectionism and Fincher

by Anne Thompson
November 23, 2010 4:04 AM
5 Comments
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Thompson on Hollywood
The Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg and I met for a bite at Hollywood's fabled Musso & Frank's Grill to dig into his lauded role as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The youthful New Yorker has been juggling school, theater, TV and film since he was a kid; at 27 he's got quite a few juicy film roles under his belt, from The Squid and the Whale to Adventureland and Zombieland. 2011 could well mark his debut as an Oscar contender.

Part One: Eisenberg talks acting background, career beginnings, perfectionism and landing the role of Mark Zuckerberg.


Part Two: Woody Allen, feeling guilty about playing Zuckerberg, reining in his desire to make him more sympathetic, defending his character.

Part Three: Zuckerberg as a creative and defensive person, addressing the misogyny issue, "this movie is respectful to its characters," Facebook as a living thing.

Part Four: Feedback, actors as a cog in a wheel, Fincher's meticulous directing style, multiple takes shooting on video, the awards circuit.

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5 Comments

  • Anita | December 12, 2010 12:58 AMReply

    Thank you for this, Anne. This is the interview I've been waiting for since the promotional blitz for The Social Network began. In-depth, thought-provoking, intelligent and incredibly entertaining. It was perfect.

  • SeanH | November 25, 2010 8:48 AMReply

    This is the best interview I've seen in the last 5 years. The expressions and reactions of Jesse are great. It is the least scripted / most open type of discussion with a brilliant young actor.

  • Aoife Tierney | November 24, 2010 1:44 AMReply

    Great interview.

  • Larry Jenkinbs | November 23, 2010 10:06 AMReply

    Even though the background noise was terribly distractive, the camera work and co-operation of Mr. Eisenberg made Ms. Thompson's interview a very important work. The truths expressed were so insightfull, I don't think that I have seen a better portrayal of Eisenberg. Thank you so much. It was magical.

  • Yes | November 23, 2010 7:11 AMReply

    Annelegend GodThompson, your interviews are divine. Jesse was amazing in this <3333

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