The End of the Tour

About The End of the Tour

The End of the Tour is a 2015 American drama film about writer David Foster Wallace. The film is a deeply insightful and personal tour of a defining period in Wallace's life. In 1996, Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky interviews Wallace during a promotional book tour. Lipsky, intrigued by Wallace's unwilling fame, proposes a road trip to his editor - the result is a five-day trip full of insightful and revealing conversations.

Making / Production

The film was directed by James Ponsoldt and written by Donald Margulies, based on the memoir Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself by David Lipsky. The film was produced by Anonymous Content, Kilburn Media, and Modern Man Films, and distributed by A24.

Actors

• Jason Segel - Played David Foster Wallace, capturing the author's unique mix of irony, humor, and deep-seated melancholy.
• Jesse Eisenberg - Portrayed David Lipsky, breathing life into the tenacious and ambitious journalist out for an incredible story.
• Anna Chlumsky - Played the role of Lipsky's girlfriend Sarah. She serves a vital role as one of the few female influences in the predominantly male-dominated narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie marked the first time Jason Segel starred in a drama film.
• To prepare for his role as David Foster Wallace, Segel listened to Wallace's interviews and audiotape throughout the production.
• The film was shot in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Awards

The film was nominated for numerous awards, including two Independent Spirit Awards: Best Male Lead for Jason Segel and Best Screenplay for Donald Margulies.

Quotes

• "I don't even know if I like you yet. I need more time to decide." - David Foster Wallace
• "Why is your antenna always out?" - Wallace to Lipsky
• "Everything you gather is just more stuff that you have to lug around with you" - Wallace

Music, Soundtrack

• Original music for the movie was composed by Danny Elfman.
• The soundtrack includes two songs by R.E.M., "New Orleans Instrumental No. 1" and "Perfect Circle".
• The song "The Big Ship" by Brian Eno, features in a major emotional scene of the film.