The End of the Tour Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A jealous journalist spends five days with a famous writer, mostly arguing about junk food and Alanis Morissette, only to realize fame doesn’t solve existential dread, which is probably why the journalist is jealous.

🍿 The End of the Tour: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Premise: A Reporter’s Assignment

In 1996, Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky is assigned to interview acclaimed author David Foster Wallace following the publication of his groundbreaking novel, ‘Infinite Jest.’ Lipsky, himself a writer struggling to find his place, sees this as a golden opportunity to capture the essence of a literary phenomenon.

Five Days of Intense Conversation

The film chronicles the five days Lipsky spends with Wallace, documenting their conversations on a wide range of topics including literature, fame, addiction, and the meaning of life. The dynamic between the two men is complex, marked by admiration, jealousy, and a constant negotiation of boundaries.

The Human Side of a Literary Icon

As Lipsky delves deeper into Wallace’s world, he discovers a man grappling with the pressures of sudden fame and struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy. Wallace’s anxieties and vulnerabilities are gradually revealed, challenging Lipsky’s initial perceptions of the author as a flawless genius.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel): The acclaimed novelist struggling with fame, depression, and maintaining a sense of normalcy.
• David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg): The Rolling Stone reporter tasked with interviewing David Foster Wallace, grappling with ambition and envy.
• Sarah (Anna Chlumsky): David Lipsky’s girlfriend who encourages him and serves as a sounding board.
• Julie (Mamie Gummer): David Foster Wallace’s friend and former love interest who offers insight into his past.
• Patty (Joan Cusack): The enthusiastic publicist who escorts David and David during the Minneapolis leg of the tour.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• David Foster Wallace: “The more people think you’re really great, the bigger the fear of being a fraud is.” – Expresses his anxiety about living up to public perception and the pressures of fame.
• David Foster Wallace: “Dave, this is nice. This is not real.” – Said to Lipsky, highlighting the artificiality of their interview dynamic and the constructed nature of public image.
• David Foster Wallace: “The tour is like heroin to the cortex.” – Compares the addictive and overstimulating nature of the book tour to drug use, highlighting its temporary high and subsequent crash.
• David Foster Wallace: “I’m not so sure you wanna be me.” – A poignant statement suggesting the burdens and complexities beneath the surface of his success and public persona.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $3,002,884
• Worldwide Gross: $3,072,991

💥 The End of the Tour Reviews

Personal Review

I was captivated by ‘The End of the Tour.’ Jason Segel’s performance blew me away; I never knew he had such depth. The scenes in Wallace’s home felt incredibly authentic, like I was eavesdropping on real conversations. It made me think about what truly matters and what it means to be happy, even when you have everything the world says you should want. The ending left me feeling both sad and strangely hopeful.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of David Foster Wallace and his work”
  • “Those interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dialogue-driven films”
  • “People interested in the writing process and the complexities of fame”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes, including depression and suicide”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Discussions of addiction”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “The film wisely avoids hagiography, presenting Wallace as complex and flawed. Segel inhabits the role with surprising grace, capturing the writer’s intelligence and vulnerability. Eisenberg’s Lipsky is a fitting foil, his ambition and envy palpable.
• Rolling Stone: “The film’s greatest strength is its dialogue, adapted from Lipsky’s book with remarkable fidelity. Segel delivers a career-defining performance, while Eisenberg captures the reporter’s ambivalence. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of fame and artistry.
• Variety: “James Ponsoldt directs with a keen eye for detail, crafting an intimate portrait of two writers grappling with ambition and self-doubt. Segel transcends expectations, while Eisenberg provides a compelling counterpoint. The film is a must-see for those interested in literature and the creative process.

Audience Reactions

Jason Segel’s portrayal of David Foster Wallace was phenomenal, capturing his quirks and intelligence.: The nuanced performances by the lead actors, Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg, are a standout.

The realistic dialogue made the movie feel like a fly-on-the-wall experience.: Many found the dialogue realistic, thought-provoking, and deeply insightful.

Overall Consensus: The film is generally praised for its insightful dialogue, strong performances, and exploration of complex themes like fame and depression. It is a talky film not for everyone.

Awards

1. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Screenplay)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on David Lipsky’s book ‘Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace,’ which chronicled his five days interviewing Wallace for Rolling Stone magazine.”
• “The song ‘The Big Ship’ by Brian Eno, played at the film’s end, was one of David Foster Wallace’s favorite songs and was also used in another Sundance 2015 film, ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’.”
• “Jason Segel’s performance as David Foster Wallace was widely praised as a career-defining role, marking a departure from his previous comedic work.”
• “The film’s dialogue is largely based on actual transcripts and recordings from David Lipsky’s interviews with David Foster Wallace, aiming for authenticity in their conversations.”
• “Director James Ponsoldt is a big fan of the work of David Foster Wallace, and his direction aimed to explore the complexities and contradictions within Wallace’s personality and his views on fame.”

🖥️ How to Watch The End of the Tour?

The End of the Tour is widely available on various streaming platforms and for purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. Digital and physical copies can also be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The End of the Tour, you might like these similar films:

• Capote (2005): Explores a writer’s complex relationship with their subject, blurring the lines between observer and participant, similar to Lipsky’s dynamic with Wallace.
• Almost Famous (2000): Also revolves around a writer on tour with a celebrity, capturing the era and the dynamic between a journalist and their subject.
• My Dinner with Andre (1981): Features extensive dialogue and intellectual discussions, focusing on character exploration through conversation.
• A Late Quartet (2012): Depicts a specific slice of life about unique and extremely talented individuals which creates a tight interpersonal and realistic movie.

🛒 The End of the Tour Related Products

• Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace [Paperback]: The book upon which the movie is based. A must-have for fans of the film and Wallace’s work, it includes exclusive insights.
• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace [Paperback]: Wallace’s magnum opus, a 1000+ page novel exploring themes of entertainment, addiction, and American culture.
• The End of the Tour (Blu-ray): Experience the film in high-definition with exclusive bonus features like deleted scenes and commentary.
• The End of the Tour Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s iconic poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

The End of the Tour features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sunlight Bathed The Golden Glow” – performed by Felt
• “New Orleans Instrumental No. 1” – performed by R.E.M.
• “The Big Ship” – performed by Brian Eno

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

David Foster Wallace on Ambition | Blank on Blank

Ever wonder what drove David Foster Wallace? This animated interview clip gives you a peek into his thoughts on ambition and perfectionism. It’s super insightful and gives you a real feel for what made him tick.

David Foster Wallace and the problem of loneliness

Ever felt like achieving your goals didn’t bring the happiness you expected? This video is a raw and honest reflection on how ‘The End of the Tour’ resonated with one viewer’s own struggles with loneliness and fulfillment. It’s thought-provoking, and honestly, pretty moving.

Jason Segel On David Foster Wallace | CONAN on TBS

Curious about how Jason Segel transformed into David Foster Wallace? This Conan interview is a fun and insightful look into his preparation and understanding of the role. You get a feel for how seriously he took embodying such a complex figure.

David Foster Wallace on Importance of Quiet

Want to understand David Foster Wallace on a deeper level? This short clip features him discussing the importance of quiet in our noisy world. It’s really fascinating and gives you a direct connection to his thinking.

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