Anyone read house of sleep by Jonathan Coe?

I read this book a few weeks ago and enjoyed it so much but there are a few things that are confusing me about it. What is the first paragraph all about? I couldn’t really find any link with the rest of the story. One of my friends has read it and worked out what it was but she says she’s forgotten what it is. Also, What has roberts dream got to do with that film? I don’t see why they should be connected. Maybe I’m missing something obvious, maybe there were subtle hints… so have any of you read it? I’m not sure how popular he is in America (or England, for that matter…) If you have read the book, what did you think of it?