Review of The End of the Tour (2015) by John M — 14 Mar 2016

A damn near perfect movie that explores mutual themes of art, creation, the dialogue between writer and reader, and the intersection of admiration and jealousy. But it's so much more than that. From start to finish, "The End of the Tour" is as engrossing as it is thoroughly human.

Jason Siegel has never been better nor more immersed in a role, and Jesse Eisenberg inhabits probably his most relatable character to date. The movie is really no more than a series of conversations between the two, but somehow it never lacks for depth, tension, narrative drive or philosophical underpinnings.

It's also shot with an incredibly subtle and effective hand. More than once, the director opts for minimal coverage, often letting a scene play out with no more than a master shot and OTS of the characters in a single size.

The effect is making the scene intimate to the point of being uncomfortable. We can instantly relate to the spontaneity and arbitrariness of fame that David Foster Wallace felt after "Infinite Jest's" skyrocket.

Likewise, we understand the growing frustration of Eisenberg trying to match his idea of genius with the sad, eccentric reality of Wallace. I cannot recommend this film enough, especially to all my writer friends, regardless of their level of success.

9.8/10.