Homage vs Ripoff

When I saw the movie last fall, I noticed how the end of it was just like the ending of FIVE EASY PIECES. I wondered if the director for FOR ELLEN deliberately based the ending of this movie on the famous ending for FIVE EASY PIECES. When thinking about it, there are several similarities between FOR ELLEN and FIVE EASY PIECES. The main character in both films does not really fit into society. They are both complicated individuals. Also, they are out-casts in relationship to their families. Both characters are drifters. In addition, both have lady-friends who they don't treat very well. In FOR ELLEN, the lady friend comes to the motel to visit Toby. However, he leaves her and hops onto a truck and no-one knows where he will go.

I was wondering if anyone else had noticed the similarities as well. It's good to see that others are fans of five easy pieces.