Dreamy movie, but very tragic final scene

I am a fan of Gus Van Sant. His films put me at peace and make me think. I like the slow pace, dreamy frame composition, and life-like acting.

That being said, I felt so sad at the end of this film. All those pages of writing meant a load of unburdening and possibly helpful accounting for Alex's actions. To do what he did to them showed he was so far gone that he couldn't even hope to help himself and that he will, like that haunting last song's refrain, die like a man.

Very tragic.