END OF THE TOUR, THE: DVD

SYNOPSIS: The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel), which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's epic, groundbreaking novel, Infinite Jest. (Based on a true story)

Review by Andrew L. Urban:
First, a note about the theatrical release: the film is only scheduled to be released at Cinema Nova in Melbourne, arguably the world's biggest art house complex with 16 screens, because no other arthouse cinema can find room for it. Such are the vagaries of distributing arthouse films in Australia. (The only Sydneysiders who have seen it are subscribers to Movies Now, where I screen films prior to their commercial release followed by a discussion. Movies Now, which I present for Sydney University's Centre for Continuing Education at Dendy Newtown, will run four times x 6 Wednesdays in 2016. See MOVIES NOW for details.)

There is no question that the film deserves a much wider audience, not least for Jason Segel's riveting performance as the young author David Foster Wallace. The screenplay, adapted from David Lipsky's book, where their 5-day conversation/interview was finally published, is a masterful, tension and humour filled exploration of two young writers groping towards an understanding of themselves and their craft. You wouldn't think such a thing could make cinema - which is all the more reason to see it.

The exploration of fame through the prism of Wallace's newfound celebrity status is keenly observed, while his struggle to be portrayed accurately is touching - and educational.

The sparring between two creative writers is filled with tension as they squirm and scratch for some sort of foothold. Lipsky, having just published his own novel to much lesser fanfare than Wallace, is scrambling for revelations as Wallace provides introspection and honest analysis. It's marvelous to watch.

Published March 31, 2016