'The Idea of You' director Michael Showalter explains why he changed the book's controversial ending

Manoli Figetakis/WireImage via Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

"The Director's Chair" is a series highlighting those at the helm of the biggest projects in TV and movies.

Michael Showalter kept acting long after he realized he didn't want to do it anymore — mostly because he needed to eat.

Born to two professors, one of whom is a feminist literary critic, the New Jersey native has had one of the more unique career trajectories among filmmakers. Showalter got his start in college...