THE END OF THE TOUR

(out of 4)

The End of the Tour makes thoughtful drama out of celebrity journalism, wherein a star proclaims humility while a scribbler promises idolatry.

The star subject here is late author David Foster Wallace, played to a passive-aggressive “T” by Jason Segel. The scribbler is Rolling Stone’s David Lipsky, played by Jesse Eisenberg at his fidgety best, who at the time of this 1996-set story wanted to make a recluse seem like a rock star.

Their exchange happened over five days while Wallace was concluding his promotional duties for Infinite Jest, the totemic novel that cemented his reputation as an astringent wit and brilliant critic of modern contradictions. Extras include a director/screenwriter/actor (Segel) commentary, deleted scenes and a making-of featurette. Reviews by Peter Howell