The End of the Tour (2015)

The End of the Tour (2015), directed by James Ponsoldt, is a quiet yet emotionally powerful drama that dives into the complexities of fame, loneliness, and authenticity. Based on David Lipsky’s memoir Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself, the film chronicles a five-day interview between journalist Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace.

Detailed Summary

The Premise: A Writer Meets a Giant

In 1996, David Lipsky (played by Jesse Eisenberg), a writer for Rolling Stone, convinces his editor to let him interview David Foster Wallace (played by Jason Segel) after the success of Wallace’s novel Infinite Jest. Lipsky is intrigued by Wallace’s fame and reputation as a literary genius, and he sets out to capture the man behind the myth.

First Impressions

When Lipsky arrives at Wallace’s modest Illinois home, he finds a man very different from the “celebrity author” image he had expected. Wallace lives alone, with two large dogs, in a cluttered but unpretentious house. He worries about being misrepresented and resists the idea of being seen as an intellectual rock star.

On the Road Together

As Lipsky follows Wallace on his book tour, the two men engage in wide-ranging conversations about fame, addiction, loneliness, art, and the pitfalls of modern culture. Wallace’s charm lies in his vulnerability and awkwardness, but tensions occasionally flare. Wallace suspects Lipsky’s intentions, while Lipsky envies Wallace’s success.

Moments of Tension

During their time together, Lipsky witnesses Wallace’s unease with fame firsthand. At a bookstore reading, fans treat Wallace with reverence, which makes him deeply uncomfortable. Their dynamic also becomes strained when Lipsky seems to flirt with two women they meet, and Wallace quietly admits feeling territorial and insecure. These moments reveal Wallace’s fragile self-image despite his literary brilliance.

The Interview’s End

The film culminates with their final day together. The two share moments of real intimacy, such as when Wallace confesses his constant struggle against loneliness and depression. Despite their differences, they part ways with a mixture of admiration and distance—Lipsky having seen Wallace’s humanity, and Wallace aware that he has let a stranger glimpse his most vulnerable side.

Movie Ending

The movie ends with Lipsky dropping Wallace off at his home, a quiet and subdued farewell after five intense days. Wallace expresses gratitude but also sets a boundary: their time together is over. The final scenes flash forward years later, after Wallace’s tragic suicide in 2008. Lipsky is seen at a book reading, reflecting on their time together and the fact that Wallace’s words and presence still linger in his memory.

The film closes on an image of Wallace dancing joyfully at a church event during their days together—a bittersweet reminder of his warmth, humor, and humanity, contrasted with the knowledge of his eventual fate. The ending captures the tension between the public myth of David Foster Wallace and the private man haunted by his inner battles.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The End of the Tour does not have a post-credits scene. Once the credits begin, the story is complete.

Type of Movie

The film is a biographical drama with strong elements of a road movie and a dialogue-driven character study.

Cast

• Jason Segel as David Foster Wallace
• Jesse Eisenberg as David Lipsky
• Anna Chlumsky as Sarah (Lipsky’s girlfriend)
• Mamie Gummer as Julie
• Joan Cusack as Patty, Wallace’s book tour handler

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Danny Elfman, who is better known for his grand, quirky, or fantastical music. Here, however, he delivered a subtle, intimate score that perfectly complements the quiet tone of the film. The soundtrack also features songs by R.E.M., including “Strange Currencies.”

Filming Locations

The film was shot mainly in Michigan and Minnesota, which doubled for Illinois and other Midwest locations. These landscapes are crucial in conveying the grounded, modest lifestyle Wallace embraced, far from the flashy literary circles of New York. The snowy, small-town backdrops echo the themes of solitude and isolation central to Wallace’s persona.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated for Independent Spirit Awards (Best Male Lead for Jason Segel)
• Nominated for National Board of Review Top Ten Independent Films
• Widely praised by critics, though largely overlooked at major awards like the Oscars.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Jason Segel wore Wallace’s signature bandana throughout filming, a detail Wallace often used to cope with anxiety.
• Jesse Eisenberg admitted to being intimidated by playing a writer opposite a character like Wallace, mirroring Lipsky’s own insecurity.
• The filmmakers chose to keep the production small and dialogue-focused to reflect the intimacy of the story.
• Lipsky, whose memoir inspired the film, was closely consulted but also gave Segel space to interpret Wallace in his own way.

Inspirations and References

The film is directly based on David Lipsky’s memoir Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself. Wallace’s novel Infinite Jest and his essays form the thematic backbone, especially his critiques of consumerism, loneliness, and the meaning of success.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no publicly released alternate endings. The filmmakers were deliberate in crafting the ending as a faithful adaptation of Lipsky’s real-life experience. Some extended interview footage was cut for pacing but has not been widely released.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie adapts Lipsky’s memoir almost verbatim, condensing certain conversations but staying faithful to their spirit. The main difference is the film’s framing device, which emphasizes Lipsky’s reflections after Wallace’s death—a layer of poignancy not as central in the book.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Wallace and Lipsky debating the seduction of television and junk food culture.
• Wallace’s bookstore reading, where he looks visibly uncomfortable despite adoration.
• Their candid late-night conversations about loneliness and the desire for connection.
• The final goodbye outside Wallace’s home, understated yet emotionally charged.

Iconic Quotes

• Wallace: “I think the real trick to life is not to find yourself, it’s to create yourself.”
• Wallace: “I think being a writer is a very dangerous job, because it’s very lonely.”
• Lipsky: “It’s like you’re so good at giving answers that sound right, but I don’t know if you believe them yourself.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Jason Segel’s wardrobe was based directly on photographs of Wallace—flannel shirts, bandanas, and all.
• The dogs in Wallace’s home are based on his real beloved pets, captured as faithfully as possible.
• Several books on Wallace’s shelves were handpicked from his actual reading list.

Trivia

• Jason Segel’s performance was so well received that many critics suggested it could have redefined his career beyond comedy.
• The film’s budget was modest (around $3 million) but it gained critical acclaim far exceeding its scale.
• James Ponsoldt, the director, insisted on shooting long dialogue scenes in single takes to preserve authenticity.

Why Watch?

Watch The End of the Tour if you’re interested in thoughtful, dialogue-driven films that explore creativity, fame, and loneliness. It’s not about explosions or big plot twists—it’s about two men talking, and yet it manages to feel as riveting as any thriller.

Director’s Other Movies

• Smashed (2012)
• The Spectacular Now (2013)
• The Circle (2017)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Capote (2005)
• My Dinner with Andre (1981)
• Paterson (2016)
• Before Sunrise (1995)
• In Cold Blood (1967)