Disagree. You need to rewatch it after the end. The movie is a loop, like a song. While he may appear to be *beep* at times (don't we all?) he does have redeemable qualities. In fact, the story hints at redemption near the end, when he finally learns from some of his mistakes (not letting the cat out), apologizing to multiple friends for his behaviour. The viewer is duped into thinking he's a complete jerk, until the end when more things are revealed.
-Jean slept around, and in fact didn't know the child was his she wanted to abort. It is highly likely it was not his. Yet she beats him down all the time, projecting her own self hate perhaps onto him.
-First girl never had an abortion, which he paid for anyway...unbeknownst to him
-He plays for his ill father and brings him joy and pride. He may crap his pants, but I kinda saw that as letting go/relaxing, but you can see the emotion is his face during the song "shoals of herring"
-He tries to save the cat
-He is a great musician
-He is true to himself and not willing to sell out
-He is not materialistic
-He is pursuing a dream (truly living) while everyone else is existing and going through the motions. I think people have hastily judged him as a "loser", when in fact he is not.
He is grieving the loss of his friend and finding his way in life and through adulthood. This is just a week in his life. In the extras Oscar talks about him normally being an ice easy going guy who is having a bad week. I can believe that.
He is a talented guy dealing with the realities of the world. He is a bit Idealistic even. People sleep with the club owner to get on stage (unlike Llewyn), people come to watch Jean and Jim because they want to F*&k them. Mass audiences seem like like lesser quality music (in his eyes), rather than his. At The audition at the Gate of Horn (a powerful song & performance) he is told "I don't see a lot of money here". He also wants to change his physical image to make him more attractive/connect w/people.
Everyone else is looking to make a fast buck, not appreciate true art (kinda like this film not getting an oscar...and Gravity and other mediocre movies were nominated.) The guy seems genuinely moved, but he is a business man...but offers him an opportunity with a trio and wants to help Llewyn find success (financially).. LLweyn prefers to stick to his guns...he's gone through a process and has become a solo act, not compromising his ideals. He finally returns to home where he belongs...where afterall the folk scene is about to take off with the arrival of Dylan.
This movie resonates more today than ever. Pretty faces, flashiness and shallowness are popular and rewarded over true talent.
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