I went to see this movie at TIFF, and quite honestly, we were all disappointed. Let me start with the positives: the acting was good, the images were good and there are some really great shots in the film. Also, it is undeniable that the music was great. For the not so good: it seemed like they filmed pages of a guy's diary and that was all. Now, no one said a story based on someone's personal experiences can't be good. However, many of the scenes seemed disconnected and no effort was made to bring them together (how did he meet Margot? All of a sudden he's saying he tried to sleep with her for three years, but she was never introduced to the audience really). The "Margot" example wasn't the only situation where we were all a bit lost. Another problem with the film was that basically that there was no climax. We were all left waiting for the big moment, the big something, and it never came. Basically it is the story about a boy with a dream who never really quite gets there, and due to his own stubbornness (and delusion of grandeur) doesn't know when to give it up, while letting friends, lovers and family (not to mention his real career) go by, and while he gets deeper and deeper into trouble regardless of consequences (chasing after a delusion). The ending was also quite unsatisfying as there was no resolution. We see him at that moment hitting rock bottom, (never know what happened with Jasmine), and then the movie ends. I'm not sure I would recommend it, it seemed (honestly) a bit pointless. Maybe opening to a second part with a resolution?
