Jesse Eisenberg Admits He Doesn't Use Facebook

By Jett Wells Posted Sep 24th 2010 11:37AM

Actor Jesse Eisenberg and director David Fincher of 'The Social Network' created a movie about Facebook and its founder Mark Zuckerberg that lays out the controversial story behind its inception, and yet ... neither of them actually uses Facebook.

Eisenberg and Fincher sat down for a Q&A at the Apple retail store in the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan on Sept. 23 to answer questions about the movie, and Eisenberg talked about what it was like acting like a tough guy and why he didn't mind taking on such a controversial role.

Near the beginning of the discussion, Fincher asked the crowd how many people use Facebook and, not surprisingly, almost everyone raised their hands. Eisenberg, however, admitted he doesn't use it, and conceded that asking whether someone uses Facebook these days is like asking if they use the telephone.

It hasn't been a great year for the man Eisenberg plays, Mark Zuckerberg, as several publications, including The New Yorker, have published articles lampooning his reportedly robotic, nihilistic personality, not to mention the critical view of him the film takes. But after Eisenberg spent months trying to become the young Internet mogul, he can't help but defend him.

"I never met Mark, although, I developed a great affection for him because I spent six months thinking about him and defending his position," Eisenberg said. "It's pretty much impossible to play a role and not defend his behavior."

As for playing a cold and tough guy, it's a new experience for Eisenberg, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been in a fight before. Eisenberg detailed a hilarious fight scene on a subway that started with a discussion over dietary habits.

"I got in a fight with somebody on the subway once because I asked if they were a vegetarian, and he said that was too personal, and I got angry," Eisenberg explained. "I said, 'That's not personal.' He said it is. I said I just became a vegetarian and I was wondering if he had any tips. And he said, 'That's not appropriate to ask somebody.' I said you work in an animal shelter, I felt it would be. And then it took off."

After questions opened up to the audience, one person asked if Fincher and Eisenberg felt they were trying to hurt Zuckerberg's image, and Eisenberg delivered the most logical and clinical response possible.

"I thought of it as an actor and acting in a scene. The fact that it was about a real person, we've already thought about and dealt with," Eisenberg retorted. "I genuinely felt and still do that everything I do as my character is explainable. That's what I was hired to do."

Surprisingly, Eiseneberg still hasn't seen the movie, but that will change Friday once he attends the premiere in New York City. The movie debuts in theaters on Oct. 1. Watch a Clip:

Tags: David Fincher, jesse eisenberg, the social network

Comments

(22)

Friday 24 September

By Nico Toscani

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That's funny Jessie, I don't use Facebook either since I'm not an egotistical twit or a 12 year old. I therefore won't be going to see your stupid movie.

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Er, Jesse not Jessie... Sorry.

By Apostate

Something tells me that you're not the least bit sorry for the misspelling. And that's fine with me.

By Mal Tempo

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Nico works for Facebook's high honcho.

Seriously, I really like Jesse Eisenberg. I LOVED Zombieland. I just can't take a movie about what is essentially a fad all that seriously.

By yahoofashion

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Saturday 25 September

By haiyou2b

As for playing a cold and tough guy, it's a new experience for Eisenberg, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been in a fight before. Eisenberg detailed a hilarious fight scene on a subway that started with a discussion over dietary habits..I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

Sunday 26 September

By fenliangbuduo

Facebook is one of the saddest inventions I've ever seen. Millions of people, pretending to be friends, yet never actually having contact with any of themI love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via agegapsingl es.c 'o'm a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends.. Just love it
.

By davemmm

oh great article ,Facebook is lame. It's only for narcissists and people that never got over their high school years or jealous exes.My boyfriend and i both think so ...He is almost 11year older than me .i met him via kissmilita ry.c 'o'ma nice place for s'ee'king Army, Navy, Mari'nes, Air Force, Police Force and their admires.just love it

Thursday 07 October

By leo

"Admits"? As this is somehow weird or wrong of misguided? How is saying I don't use Facebook some kind of "admission?"

By miss marie

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Facebook is lame. It's only for narcissists and people that never got over their high school years or jealous exes.

By terry gaddis

i agree where is myspace right now, extinct just like facebook will be! interact with people in the real world stop hiding in cyberspace.

By gposner29

only lonely, sad, lost sheep, use facebook..or any social network..only predators would be expected to use facebook

By mamalee

I think its fun and we get to "talk" to any one or all of my friends and family. Not just anyone I do not know.

By Naota

Facebook is one of the saddest inventions I've ever seen. Millions of people, pretending to be friends, yet never actually having contact with any of them.

Monday 27 September

By Jules

Well, ty for the update of his not using Facebook, but, I could care less. I mean, he may have a Facebook and not know it. Alot of people use celebrity names on Facebook. But...I friend no "celebrities", so, doesn't interest me.

By DEBOSS

FACEBOOK,,FACECROOK,,FACESHNOOK,FACE IT,,,ITS A STUPID WAY TO INVITE BAD BAD PEOPLE AND OLD "GHOSTS",BACK INTO YOUR LIFE,,,,DONT WALK,,,RUN FROM IT!!!!!!!!!!!

By HUH

To coin a phrase....so what if he is not on face book. It is not the end of the world. Too many people are putting toomuch personal info out there as it is. I don't care about someones sex life, fights with wife, dwi, etc. I do admit to reading it but that is how I keep up on my family...or the ones that are so dumb as to put all that personal info out there.......... Have a good day!!!!

By Lita

Neither one of them uses facebook? Who could blame them? My respect for both of these guys as grown... exponentially.

By Jennifer

The only reason most of you think Facebook is stupid is because you aren't stationed thousands of miles away from your family and friends like my family is. If you were, you would have a totally different view.

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