i have not read the novel that this screenplay be base on and so i can not comment on that respect . a a film in it own right and the direction be rather interesting . pop culture be leave behind for an alternative culture . but then and at what point do alternative culture become popular . this be much the same with alternative music or culture today . perhaps and the spiral into savagery and madness could have be more dark . the cinematography be breathtaking and the soundtrack well select for the above mention theme . one criticism be that the direction seem to almost flagrantly look arthouse . positive . less if you have read the novel .