I think reading up on Takeshi's biography would help

I just saw the film. I think it deals with his emotions about how he got his break and people who were opposed to his initial attempt to get into directing/acting in movies. Although the movie is very confusing, I feel like I understand his motives.

Only thing I was disappointed to see was that there was a bit of "Lynch"iness in the film... specially during the dance performance scene - similar to Mulholland Drive.

I enjoyed almost all Takeshi Kitano's movies, and this one was great also. I wouldn't say though that it was 100% original in style like in his other movies.