The first thing Jesse Eisenberg asked, upon learning that I attended Syracuse University, is whether I crossed paths with Carmelo Anthony. Unfortunately for me, Anthony led the Orangemen to their only title and then left for the NBA shortly before I matriculated, but Eisenberg wasn’t looking for the connection of a mutual friend; actually, he’s working on a short story that involves the Knicks’ All-Star, and perhaps wanted some insight.
Though technically sitting down to talk about his new movie, the Richard Ayoade-directed dystopian dramedy “The Double,” Eisenberg is very happy and eager to chat about his side career.