Movie Review - The End of the Tour

Oscar-nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) stars as David Lipsky, a writer for Rolling Stone magazine who in 1996 spent the better part of a week accompanying author David Foster Wallace on his promotional tour for Wallace's new book. Lipsky interviews Wallace and records him on audiotape. This film depicts those few days, as they talk and get to know each other.

Jason Segel co-stars as David Foster Wallace whose 1996 book Infinite Jest was highly acclaimed and highly praised. I haven't read that book, so I have to go on faith that his book is that amazing. Within the film, the argument is never made as to why I should care about this book or this guy. Yes, he's had drug issues and bouts of depression that make his sympathetic but so what?

Other than the fact that Wallace killed himself in 2008, the story of this tour isn't great. Of all the slices from Wallace's life to take, this one is probably the least exciting, or interesting. There's simply not enough drama. A lot of it is just two guys talking, which is fine but washed a lot over me.

Two Stars out of Five.
Rated R for language including some sexual references.
Running Time: 1 hr. and 46 mins.