An American Pickle

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 6, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Seth Rogen as Herschel Greenbaum / Ben Greenbaum
• Sarah Snook as Sarah Greenbaum
• Jorma Taccone as Liam
• Sean Whalen as Scientist

Director
Brandon Trost

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Directorial debut (previously known for cinematography work)

Producer
Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee, Ted Gidlow

Writer
Simon Rich, based on his short story “Sell Out”

Budget
$20 million

Production Company
Point Grey Pictures, Gravitational Productions, Warner Max

Running Time
89 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Some suggestive content
• Themes of family and cultural differences

Movie Story
“An American Pickle” is a quirky comedy-drama that follows the story of Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen), a struggling Jewish laborer who immigrates to America in 1919 with his wife, Sarah (Sarah Snook), in search of a better life. While working at a pickle factory, Herschel accidentally falls into a vat of pickles and is preserved in brine for 100 years. When he is discovered and revived in modern-day Brooklyn, Herschel is shocked to find that the world has drastically changed, and everyone he knew is gone.

Herschel soon discovers that his only remaining descendant is his great-grandson, Ben Greenbaum (also played by Seth Rogen), a mild-mannered app developer living in Brooklyn. The two men couldn’t be more different: Herschel, with his old-world values and tough demeanor, struggles to understand the modern world, while Ben, a lonely and socially awkward millennial, is trying to launch a new app and find meaning in his life.

As Herschel and Ben navigate their newfound relationship, they clash over their differing perspectives on family, legacy, and success. Herschel, determined to honor his family’s name, embarks on a series of entrepreneurial ventures, including making and selling his own pickles, which leads to unexpected consequences. Meanwhile, Ben grapples with his own insecurities and the shadow of his great-grandfather’s larger-than-life personality.

“An American Pickle” is a film about family, cultural identity, and the generational divide. It uses humor and heart to explore how values and traditions are passed down through generations, and how we reconcile the past with the present. Seth Rogen’s dual performance as both Herschel and Ben showcases his range as an actor, bringing both characters to life with distinct personalities and emotional depth.

Special Effects
The special effects in “An American Pickle” are primarily used to depict Herschel’s preservation in the pickle vat and his subsequent reawakening 100 years later. The film also relies on visual effects to allow Seth Rogen to convincingly play both Herschel and Ben in the same scenes. The seamless integration of these effects allows the film to maintain a comedic yet believable tone, with the focus remaining on the characters and their interactions rather than on the visual spectacle.

Box Office Performance
“An American Pickle” was originally intended for a theatrical release but was ultimately distributed directly on HBO Max due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received a warm reception from audiences and critics alike, who praised Rogen’s performances and the film’s blend of humor and heart. As a streaming release, the film found a wide audience and became one of the more popular offerings on HBO Max during its release period.

Filming Locations

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I will build pickle empire!” – Herschel Greenbaum
• “You’re not just a guy who makes pickles. You’re a symbol of something.” – Ben Greenbaum

Behind-the-Scenes
“An American Pickle” is based on the short story “Sell Out” by Simon Rich, who also wrote the screenplay. Director Brandon Trost, making his feature directorial debut, worked closely with Seth Rogen to bring the dual roles of Herschel and Ben to life. The film was shot primarily in Pittsburgh, which doubled for both early 20th century and modern-day Brooklyn. Rogen’s transformation into the two characters required careful choreography and the use of body doubles, as well as digital effects to create the interactions between the two versions of himself.

Awards
“An American Pickle” did not receive major awards but was noted for its unique concept and Seth Rogen’s dual performance.

Final Verdict
“An American Pickle” is a charming and offbeat comedy that offers both laughs and thoughtful reflections on family, legacy, and the immigrant experience. Seth Rogen’s dual performance as Herschel and Ben is the highlight of the film, showcasing his ability to balance humor with emotional depth. While the film’s premise is whimsical, it touches on universal themes that resonate with audiences, making it a delightful and heartwarming watch. Fans of Rogen’s work and those who enjoy quirky, character-driven stories will find much to appreciate in “An American Pickle.”

IMDb Rating
5.7/10