Movie Review: ‘The End of the Tour’ offers both expected and surprising quality

THE END OF THE TOUR (R)

Director James Ponsoldt (“Smashed,” “The Spectacular Now”) has fashioned his strongest work to date with the funny, insightful, and intimate conversational piece “The End of the Tour.” As adapted by screenwriter Donald Margulies, this outstanding movie is inspired by the true story of reporter David Lipsky (played by Jesse Eisenberg) and his observant Rolling Stone piece on the celebrated novelist David Foster Wallace (played by Jason Segel). “The End of the Tour” focuses on a book tour Lipsky took with Wallace as the author was promoting “Infinite Jest” back in the ‘90s.

First and foremost, Jason Segel is a revelation here. There are moments of humor, yes, but Segel digs deep, capturing the tiny nuances, intricacies, and sweet soul of this complicated, slightly eccentric, and very private man. I’ve always enjoyed Segel’s movies (most notably “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), but I never thought he was capable of delivering a performance of such depth. He brings real humanity to this role.

Likewise, Jesse Eisenberg turns in terrific work as an ambitious young writer who desperately wants his vision of Wallace “the man” to measure up to the mythological status of Wallace “the author.” Together, Segel and Eisenberg play off of each other like seasoned pros, but not once during this film did I feel like these talented performers were acting. Their somewhat brief but complex bond rings completely true, and by the end of the movie, I really felt like I had a true understanding of what made both of these intellectuals tick.

There are many memorable moments to speak of in this picture, but one of my favorites is a scene in which Wallace takes in a screening of John Woo’s “Broken Arrow.” As the ridiculously over-the-top, high-octane thrills escalate in the Christian Slater/John Travolta-headlined actioneer, Wallace watches on with a Cheshire Cat-sized grin on his face. Even a brilliant novelist can see the artistry and sheer entertainment value in what others might write off as a brainless action movie.

“The End of the Tour” has seen its fair share of attacks from the likes of David Foster Wallace purists who are convinced that the author himself never would have supported this project. While we’ll never know if that’s true or not, having seen “The End of the Tour,” I like to believe that Wallace would have endorsed the final product.

This is a bittersweet but all together thoughtful, profound, and refreshingly non-judgmental story about friendship and perception, and it’s anchored by two outstanding lead performances. In short, it’s one of the year’s best films.

“The End of the Tour” opened in limited release on Friday, July 31st and will expand to more cities in the coming weeks. It’s an independent gem worth seeking out.