"THE END OF THE TOUR"..an amateur movie review

I went to the Malibu Twin to see “The End of the Tour”. A film starring Jason Segal and Jesse Eisenberg. I think there were (5) people in the theatre…maybe (7). It was dark so I can’t be sure. I can’t believe anyone was there…it is almost impossible to imagine that any movie studio that is trying to make money would agree to fund this film. It just doesn’t seem like a good fit for the taste of the vast majority of those inhabiting our present culture…I can’t imagine millennials spending money (or time) to see this…this film has absolutely no action, no violence…no sex or nudity…no real drama of any kind…most of the movie takes place in a house, or in a car….it is basically a movie where two people are just talking. Another ”Fast and Furious” sequel would have been a much better investment...but thankfully, some studios don’t make movies just to make money....

some people make movies to make money...I make money so that I can make movies - Walt Disney

There is no discernible arc to the movie…there is no discernible growth that takes place in the characters throughout the film...no epiphany or evolution.....it’s lack is often a deal breaker for any serious film…and this film certainly is that…serious.

It is a film (a true story) about a Rolling Stone reporter trying to do an interview with a highly critically acclaimed and somewhat famous novel writer, David Foster Wallace.. ..a writer whose outward appearance and lifestyle are quite a contradiction to the notion that most have of a highly literate and successful author…Jason Segal plays David Foster Wallace….a painfully self conscious borderline recluse…Wallace lives in a cluttered small house with two big dogs on the outskirts of a small city in the midwest. He is an admittedly anxious person who has been dealing with depression for years. It would appear that Wallace has a difficult time enjoying life….obsessed with analyzing every moment..and every perspective….both his own, and those from the society around him….among his many observations Wallace shows concern at a society that is a victim to technology. Soon, he says, virtual reality will be so “real“ that we can do almost everything without leaving our house. We will be able to get all of our emotional, intellectual, and even sexual needs met by the virtual world...and then some...it will make the real world seem pale and unsatisfying.

Rolling Stones writer, David Lipsky…played by Jesse Eisenberg, is a big fan of Wallace’s work…almost in awe….and he makes a serious effort to uncover the secrets and psyche that lay within. He tries to reveal the brilliant, but flawed genius. Lipsky is granted an extended interview with Wallace to take place on the final leg of Wallace’s book tour....the movie takes place on that stage.

If movies were judged by their “speed” and animals were used as the reference point…this movie would surely be a tortoise…..there was nothing physically interesting about the movie…the cinematographer didn’t work up a sweat…..there were very few “moving parts”. But, I really enjoyed this movie…I love movies that are “tortoises” as long as the characters are interesting…Wallace was interesting to me…and his commentary on himself and the society around him were enough of a salvo to keep me peaked. It is one of those films that will lower your heart rate…I find that to be a great gauge as to whether I will enjoy a film….it makes you think existentially…if it doesn’t compel you towards that exercise then you will likely find this movie to be a failure.

An existential film that examines a painfully self conscious genius….be forewarned...Lovers of Superhero movies should think twice.

I would recommend this film to myself but not many others…….

I would guess that, on average, if I go to the theatre to see (4) movies..this would be the best of those (4)..it is in the top 25% of movies (for me)...but I don’t like Superheroes.

Go see it…or don’t.

David Foster Wallace took his own life in 2008. He was 46.