Thanks for that, Laura. I'd be curious to see in the movie where Ruben changes his hair style. The dyed look is clearly associated with his Before life. The non-dye look with his After life. I bet it happens around the midpoint, perhaps even where you note - being able to "sit with himself." The blonde hair is an association with his rock persona. Once that hair look is gone, it's akin to a symbol that he is ready to start dealing with his Self (psychologically speaking).

The thing I'm struck by with regard to the plot is how long Ruben resists change. As I noted in Part 1, the plot feels unconventional because he doesn't really settle into life at the center until the midpoint. He *really* struggles to recognize his physical condition and only in fits and starts. He resists becoming part of the deaf community. He resists getting rid of the Airstream (that is symbolic of touring/musical life). He resists letting go of Lou. It's like you say: "he arrivs at this place at the end." It's a story where the *end* is really the *beginning* of the Protagonist's new life. The story in the movie is about him shedding is old life and that is reflected in the events of the plot.