SundanceOne look at the new trailer for The End of the Tour and it's almost impossible to recognize Jason Segel. The actor completely transformed for the role of author David Foster Wallace, both in appearance (he donned Wallace's signature long locks and constant bandana) and personality. After all, this is the guy who we last saw in Sex Tape.
The End of the Tour is based on Although of Course You End Up Being Yourself, which tells the story of a Rolling Stone writer joining Wallace on the last leg of his book tour for his novel Infinite Jest. We know, we know, it's pretty confusing—especially if you haven't been following the whole saga. Let us break it down for you.
David Foster Wallace was hailed by many as one of the best writers of his time, but it was his 1996 novel that brought him the most fame and acclaim. The book, which made Time's list of 100 best English-language novels, is a 1,000-page mammoth set in an addict's halfway house that investigates America's addiction to entertainment (among other things).
Despite all of his critical acclaim and now-international fame (thanks to Jest), Wallace was also deeply troubled. He had battled depression for decades, and in the late 2000s it all came to a head. The author committed suicide in September 2008, leaving behind a note and the unfinished manuscript to The Pale King (which was later published and named a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize).
After Infinite Jest was released Rolling Stone sent journalist David Lipsky to accompany Wallace on the last section of the book's tour, and what he got was a very up close and personal look at the author's inner thoughts and raison d'être. The two writers' time together was so fascinating that it became a book, which became a movie. The trailer released today is the first real look at the chemistry between Segel (as Wallace) and Jesse Eisenberg (as Lipsky). Eisenberg is his usual quirky self; Segel is, as we said, unrecognizable.
When you watch the trailer it's easy to forget about the controversy that has surrounded this movie from the get-go—Wallace's family has opposed the adaptation since day one. Last spring, when production began, lawyers for his estate told The Hollywood Reporter that they "have no connection with, and neither endorse nor support" the film and that it's "loosely based on transcripts from an interview David consented to 18 years ago for a magazine article.… That article was never published and David would have never agreed that those saved transcripts could later be repurposed as the basis of a movie."
Instead of dwelling on his tortured thoughts or troubles, they would prefer he be "remembered for his extraordinary writing." Which, with or without the movie, will always be fantastic.