Long before Jesse Eisenberg and Sebastian Stan received Golden Globe Award nominations in 2025, they starred together in a 2009 indie coming-of-age drama directed by Fred Durst. “The Education of Charlie Banks” follows Ivy League freshman Charlie (played by Eisenberg) as he struggles with the reappearance of his high school bully Mick (Jason Ritter) in upstate New York.
Originally written by Peter Elkoff and inspired by his own experiences, the film was eventually directed by Durst, known for his work with Limp Bizkit. The movie also stars Sebastian Stan as Charlie’s college friend Leo, alongside Eva Amurri and Charles Parnell. Durst, who drew inspiration from Matt Dillon’s role in “My Bodyguard,” aimed to create a timeless piece with this film.
Premiering at Tribeca in 2007, “The Education of Charlie Banks” won the “Made in NY” narrative feature award. Anchor Bay released the movie in 2009, receiving praise for its unexpected and thoughtful storytelling. Now, fifteen years later, Eisenberg and Stan are nominated for Golden Globes for their recent work in the industry.
Eisenberg is nominated for his film “A Real Pain,” which he wrote, directed, and also received a screenplay nomination for. Stan, on the other hand, is nominated for “A Different Man” and his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice.” Meanwhile, Durst has continued his work in the industry with projects like “The Fanatic” and acting roles in various films.
Despite initial surprise at Durst’s involvement in “The Education of Charlie Banks,” the film remains a strong character piece that continues to inspire viewers. This article first appeared in The Hollywood Reporter magazine and can be accessed by subscribing to the magazine. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest Hollywood news and stories.
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