The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Comic neuroses in Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain'
Jan 30, 2026
Jordan Hoffman, film critic and movie reviewer, chats about cinema with quick wit. They dig into a newly unearthed Warsaw Ghetto photo trove and debate its pacing versus historical value. Then they revisit Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, discussing its neurotic comic tone, standout scenes, and Eisenberg’s directing choices.
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Snowblower Mishap And Morning Paper
- Jordan Hoffman describes buying and learning to use an inexpensive corded snowblower in a heavy storm.
- He amusingly recounts accidentally sucking up his morning newspaper and flinging it into a neighbor's yard.
New Negatives Unlock Forensic Insights
- 33 Photos From The Ghetto centers on a Polish firefighter who secretly photographed the Warsaw Ghetto and preserved 33 images.
- Historians use those images and negatives to digitally map and forensically compare new angles with known archive photos.
Film's Flaws Reveal Emotional Truths
- The tactile limits of film photography shape both the appearance and emotional power of historical images.
- Blurred frames and developing errors reflect the photographer's fear and urgency, adding documentary value.