An American Pickle

An American Pickle poster

An American Pickle is a 2020 American comedy film directed by Brandon Trost in his directorial debut and written by Simon Rich, based on his 2013 short story "Sell Out". The film stars Seth Rogen in dual leading roles as Herschel Greenbaum, a struggling laborer who emigrates to America in 1919 with dreams of building a better life for his beloved family, and Ben Greenbaum, Herschel's mild-mannered great-grandson, a computer programmer living in modern-day Brooklyn. The plot follows Herschel as he falls into a vat of pickles and is brined for 100 years, emerging in present-day New York City and seeking out his descendant, Ben.

Plot

Herschel Greenbaum, a Jewish laborer, leaves his native country of Shtetl in 1919, emigrating to America with his wife, Sarah, to escape violence and seek a better life. He finds work at a pickle factory in Brooklyn, but an accident results in him falling into a vat of pickles, where he is perfectly preserved for 100 years. He awakens in 2020 to find that the world has drastically changed. He discovers his only surviving relative is his great-grandson, Ben Greenbaum, a computer programmer who Herschel struggles to understand due to their vastly different worlds.

The film explores the themes of family, tradition, and the challenges of bridging cultural and generational gaps. As Herschel navigates the complexities of the 21st century with Ben's help, both characters embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding.

Cast

• Seth Rogen as Herschel Greenbaum/Ben Greenbaum
• Other supporting actors include Maya Erskine, Sarah Snook, and Eliot Glazer, among others, who contribute to the rich tapestry of characters that populate Herschel and Ben's world.

Production

The film was announced in 2018 with Seth Rogen attached to star. Filming took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, standing in for Brooklyn, New York. The choice of location was due to its architectural and cultural similarities to early 20th-century Brooklyn, as well as modern-day settings.

Release

An American Pickle was initially set for a theatrical release but was later acquired by HBO Max for distribution in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting cinema operations. It premiered on August 6, 2020, on the streaming platform, marking one of the first major films to forego a traditional theatrical release in favor of a digital platform due to the pandemic.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Rogen's dual performance but criticized the film for not fully exploring its premise's potential. Despite this, An American Pickle was noted for its heartwarming exploration of family bonds and the immigrant experience in America.

Themes

An American Pickle delves into themes of family, heritage, and the immigrant experience, juxtaposing the past and present to explore how values and dreams evolve across generations. The film also touches on the idea of the American Dream, examining its relevance and manifestation in different eras.