Plot
The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, 'Infinite Jest.'
Release Year: 2015
Rating: 7.4/10 (335 voted)
Critic's Score: 73/100
Director: James Ponsoldt
Stars: Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Anna Chlumsky
Storyline
The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, 'Infinite Jest.'
Writers: Donald Margulies, David Lipsky
Cast: Mamie Gummer -
Julie
Jesse Eisenberg -
David Lipsky
Anna Chlumsky -
Sarah
Jason Segel -
David Foster Wallace
Joan Cusack -
Patty
Ron Livingston -
David Lipsky's Editor
Mickey Sumner -
Betsy
Chelsea Anne Lawrence -
Aquarium visitor /
Dating movie goes
(as Chelsea Lawrence)
Noel Fletcher -
ISU Student
Gina Ferwerda -
Airport Business Traveler
Lindsey Elizabeth -
Dan John Miller -
NPR Host
Stephanie Cotton -
United Ticket Agent
Johnny Otto -
Pilot
LaTrallo Presley -
ISU Student
Taglines:
Imagine the greatest conversation you've ever had.
Country: USA
Language: English
Release Date: 31 July 2015
Filming Locations: Boston Massachusetts, USA
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Did You Know?
Trivia:
David Lipsky's book was the main resource used by the screenwriter. Lipsky's tapes, which play a large part in the movie, were only used as a resource for the cast and crew during their research of the characters. See more »
Goofs:
In one scene the characters drive by a Burger King with a modern logo that was not introduced until 1999, 3 years after the time in which the film takes place. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 9/10
Saw this film last weekend at its world premiere at Sundance. First of
all, Donald Margulies' script was fantastic. I am slightly partial to
good writing in film, so perhaps that's just what stood out to me, but
the dialogue is incredibly well-written and natural and at least
generally captures David Foster Wallace's fascinating way of talking.
In essence (and in the best of ways), nothing really happens in this
movie. There isn't a lot of high stakes drama, but that's exactly what
makes it so compelling. It's like we as the audience get a glimpse into
two men struggling with the same ideas about life, art, expression,
addiction, culture, and depression.
Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg live up to the task of interpreting the
script, helped along the way by director James Ponsoldt. The direction
is simple, and the camera work is relatively basic throughout, giving
the actors plenty of room to work with natural rhythm. Segel definitely
impressed me, as this was the first dramatic role I've seen him in.
While he didn't exactly capture some of Wallace's real-life mannerisms,
I'm not sure if that was exactly the point of the film. He interpreted
the script in a powerful way, and I think that that ended up working
out quite well for the overall tone of the film. Eisenberg played his
usual somewhat neurotic, slightly asshole- ish character very well, and
I thought it fit the reporter role perfectly.
Overall, I would strongly recommend the film. 9/10
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