EW looks back on David Foster Wallace’s masterpiece two decades after its release.
It had a big purpose.
He was writing about the pursuit of happiness.
Credit: Marion Ettlinger
It seemed to be about America at that moment.
Now, 20 years on, Infinite Jest has become a cultural mainstay.
But its biggest effect is still felt by other writers.
It should always be blowing your mind and giving you bursts of pleasure.
The more visceral experience of readingInfinite Jestcomes from immersion in Wallaces unique linguistic style.
The author blended colloquialisms with impeccable grammar, minute observation with world-weary intelligence.
Director James Ponsoldt first readInfinite Jestin college, and says this all-encompassing attitude inspired his approach to filmmaking.
He had a democratic appetite for culture.
Everything is worth looking at.
Everything is worth trying to understand and empathizing and respecting.
He seemed to have a deep respect and love for people.
The fact that the author committed suicide at the age of 46 colored his interpretation as well.
For his part, Bissell finds that Wallaces death makes everything really hard and sad.
Its amazing to be alive at the same time as a writer that good whos producing new material.
