The End of the Tour

In 2008, David Lipsky receives a call from Bob Levin about the unconfirmed suicide of David Foster Wallace, a renowned author. Initially skeptical, Lipsky turns to the internet and is devastated to realize the news is true, leading to an overwhelming sense of disbelief.

As news of Wallace's passing circulates, tributes and remembrances begin to pour in from across the literary community. Lipsky, grappling with his feelings, is asked to read a eulogy on his local radio station, an experience that forces him to confront the loss of a literary giant.

While searching through old cassette tapes, Lipsky is transported back twelve years to his time with Wallace when he conducted an in-depth interview for Rolling Stone. This retrospective finds Lipsky remembering his excitement and admiration for Wallace during their initial encounters.

At that earlier time, Dave Lipsky proposes an exclusive interview with Wallace to his boss, Bob Levin, believing the author’s literary genius deserves wider recognition. Levin agrees, albeit with caution, advising Lipsky to find a compelling story that resonates.

On Day One of the interview, Lipsky flies to Illinois but finds himself lost and awkwardly calls Wallace, highlighting the author's discomfort with direct contact. This sets a tense tone for their first meeting at Wallace's home, where Lipsky is greeted by the author and his two dogs.

During their first day together, Lipsky accompanies Wallace to teach a class, observing the unique rapport Wallace has with his students. This observation reveals a glimpse into the author's charisma and teaching style, creating a connection between the two men.

Later that evening, Lipsky and Wallace share a dinner, which turns into deep conversation about fame, relationships, and the pressures of success. Wallace opens up about his struggles with loneliness, addiction, and the transient nature of happiness, leading to a profound exchange.

On Day Two, Lipsky enjoys a casual morning with Wallace, where they bond over food and casual conversation. They discuss their thoughts on authenticity and the nature of their audience, revealing both men's desires to connect meaningfully with readers.

However, as Lipsky gently probes into Wallace's battles with depression and his mental health past, the conversation takes a somber turn. Wallace becomes emotionally distant, showing the struggles he faced beneath his literary success.

On Day Five, Lipsky shares a cheerful moment with Wallace at a McDonald's, marking a high point in their conversations. They discuss life and connection, with Lipsky feeling a mix of admiration and sadness as he reflects on their last exchanges.

As Lipsky listens to the old tapes in 2008, he is emotionally overwhelmed by the depth of their discussions and Wallace’s profound impact on him. This period of reflection leads Lipsky to document their conversations in a memoir, attempting to navigate his grief.

In writing his memoir, Lipsky seeks solace in the moments he cherished with Wallace. He articulates the importance of their discussions, signifying how their interactions provided him comfort and helped alleviate his own feelings of isolation.