I got a B+ for my review of this film for a high school English class back in the late '70's. Viewing it on YouTube 45 years later, I still find the film confusing. Nonetheless, I'm proud of my youthful attempt to make sense of it back then. I'm not sure I could do any better today.
Basically, I suggested the film portrayed the plight of an individual whose attitudes towards life differ from those of his society. He is unable to find happiness in the dull, monotonous routine (or "beat") of everyday life but his imaginary attempts to escape are always foiled by his society. For example, his final attempt to escape was when he was flying - a most "protruding" deviation from normal way of life. He was soon shot down as if the whole world is at war with the poor fellow.
Basically, I suggested the film portrayed the plight of an individual whose attitudes towards life differ from those of his society. He is unable to find happiness in the dull, monotonous routine (or "beat") of everyday life but his imaginary attempts to escape are always foiled by his society. For example, his final attempt to escape was when he was flying - a most "protruding" deviation from normal way of life. He was soon shot down as if the whole world is at war with the poor fellow.