The End of the Tour

Studio: A24
Directed by James Ponsoldt

Jul 30, 2015 By Austin Trunick Web Exclusive

James Ponsoldt’s latest film recounts the five days writer David Lipsky spent interviewing David Foster Wallace on a promotional tour for his landmark novel, Infinite Jest. Lipsky’s Rolling Stone profile was never published, but the experience proved transformative for the younger novelist; through their prolonged discussions about life and pop culture, Lipsky learned as much about himself as he did the revered author he was sent to interrogate.

David Margulies’ screenplay was adapted from Lipsky’s memoir of their time together, as well as their many hours of taped conversations. Jason Segel is a surprise: his heart-felt—and occasionally heartbreaking—dramatic performance as the late author is a far cry from anything we’ve seen from the usually comedic actor. (He channels Wallace without having to resort to doing an impression.) Jesse Eisenberg is a perfect counter, imbuing appreciable nuance (admiration, jealousy) into every question he—as Lipsky—throws at his subject. Tour plays like one extended conversation between two highly intelligent men, but it’s near-impossible not to become engaged in their dexterous repartee.

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