Based on David Lipsky 's best-selling memoir Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself , screenwriter Margulies first read the book in , and sent it to Ponsoldt, a former student of his, who took on the job of director.
Filming took place in early in Michigan , with scenes also shot at the Mall of America. Danny Elfman provided the score, with the soundtrack featuring songs by musicians like R. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival , and was theatrically released on July 31, , by A24 to critical acclaim, particularly for the performance of Segel. He had interviewed the author over a period of days twelve years earlier, following the publication of Wallace's novel Infinite Jest , which received critical praise and became an international bestseller, a touchstone for numerous readers.
He listens to the recordings he made during their time together. The film returns to , shortly after the book's release. Although initially skeptical of the high praise Wallace's book is receiving, Lipsky โ a writer having only marginal success โ is awestruck after reading it. He persuades his editor at Rolling Stone magazine to give him an assignment to interview Wallace during his book tour. The journalist travels to meet Wallace at his home on the outskirts of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois near Illinois State University where the author teaches writing.
Lipsky finds the young author unassuming and amiable, but indifferent to being interviewed. Wallace permits Lipsky to tape-record their conversations, with the proviso that Lipsky won't use any direct quotes which Wallace asks to have taken "off the record" five minutes later.
Wallace opens up to Lipsky on a variety of subjects, ranging from dogs to television to fame and self-identity, but remains somewhat guarded. He tacitly admits to alcoholism , but offers few details of his experience.
