$25mill squandered, on superficial flop

What is with the high budget? Was Fox overpaid? The film is nicely shot by Gordon Willis; but the whole premise and presentation, is dreary, bland and aimless. Maybe that was the point, as Fox's character was a lost soul; but the substance—apart from what he snorted—just didn't appear to be there. It was a directionless, inconsistent and hollow presentation, that doesn't appear to be-able, or really want to connect with it's audience. There are a few good scenes—the best being with Frances Sternhagen—but I found it a struggle to get engaged, or feel compelled by Jamie's plight. If the film wanted to be profound and make us care, it pretty much fails on every level.