The End of the Tour
The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, 'Infinite Jest.'
The film earned $3.0M at the global box office.
4 wins & 18 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The End of the Tour (2015) exemplifies strategically placed plot construction, characteristic of James Ponsoldt's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes David Lipsky learns of David Foster Wallace's suicide in 2008, sits alone in grief, establishing the framing device and the weight of what was lost.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Rolling Stone approves the assignment. Lipsky will fly to Illinois to meet Wallace at the final stop of his book tour—access to the literary genius he envies.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Wallace agrees to let Lipsky join him on the road to Minnesota, inviting him into his world beyond the formal interview setting. The real journey begins., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat At a reading, Wallace meets an attractive woman (Betsy). Lipsky feels competitive jealousy, realizes the interview is becoming personal. His objectivity and the boundary between subject and friend blur., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 78 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Wallace confronts Lipsky about using their private conversations for the article, questions his motives entirely. The friendship and trust they'd built appears dead. Lipsky faces his own parasitic ambition., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 84 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Wallace apologizes, admits his own paranoia. They reconcile with new honesty—accepting that the interview is transactional but the connection was real. Both acknowledge their mutual humanity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The End of the Tour's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The End of the Tour against these established plot points, we can identify how James Ponsoldt utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The End of the Tour within the biography genre.
James Ponsoldt's Structural Approach
Among the 3 James Ponsoldt films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The End of the Tour represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete James Ponsoldt filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more James Ponsoldt analyses, see The Spectacular Now, The Circle.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
David Lipsky learns of David Foster Wallace's suicide in 2008, sits alone in grief, establishing the framing device and the weight of what was lost.
Theme
Lipsky's editor asks, "What do you want?" regarding the Wallace interview. The theme: what we seek in our heroes versus what they actually are—the gap between perception and reality.
Worldbuilding
1996: Lipsky reads "Infinite Jest," becomes obsessed, pitches Rolling Stone on interviewing Wallace. We see his ambition, insecurity, and fascination with literary celebrity.
Disruption
Rolling Stone approves the assignment. Lipsky will fly to Illinois to meet Wallace at the final stop of his book tour—access to the literary genius he envies.
Resistance
Lipsky prepares, travels to Illinois, navigates initial awkwardness. Wallace is suspicious of the tape recorder and media intent. They test each other, establish boundaries.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Wallace agrees to let Lipsky join him on the road to Minnesota, inviting him into his world beyond the formal interview setting. The real journey begins.
Mirror World
During the car ride, Wallace opens up about loneliness, television, and authenticity. He becomes the mirror showing Lipsky his own struggles with ambition and insecurity.
Premise
The five-day interview unfolds: conversations about writing, fame, depression, pop culture. They attend readings, eat junk food, watch TV. Intimacy and tension build simultaneously.
Midpoint
At a reading, Wallace meets an attractive woman (Betsy). Lipsky feels competitive jealousy, realizes the interview is becoming personal. His objectivity and the boundary between subject and friend blur.
Opposition
Tensions escalate: Wallace accuses Lipsky of exploitation, they argue about the tape recorder and trust. Betsy's presence creates friction. Wallace's girlfriend calls, adding complexity. The collaboration fractures.
Collapse
Wallace confronts Lipsky about using their private conversations for the article, questions his motives entirely. The friendship and trust they'd built appears dead. Lipsky faces his own parasitic ambition.
Crisis
Silence and awkwardness. Lipsky confronts what he's really doing—is he exploiting Wallace or genuinely connecting? Wallace retreats into sadness about fame's isolating effect.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Wallace apologizes, admits his own paranoia. They reconcile with new honesty—accepting that the interview is transactional but the connection was real. Both acknowledge their mutual humanity.
Synthesis
Final day: genuine conversation about what matters—loneliness, connection, the cost of ambition. Airport goodbye. Return to 2008: Lipsky listens to the tapes, grieves Wallace's suicide, writes the book.
Transformation
Lipsky alone with the tapes and memories, understanding now what Wallace told him about loneliness and fame. The hero he sought was just a human, and that makes the loss more profound.