Movies: What's Eating Gilbert Grape

I wanted to watch this movie for a few weeks. Last night I finally sat down after suffering through the Bruins pathetic performance. Wow, what a movie. The 1993 film is packed with rising young actors. Leonardo Dicaprio is phenomenal in his role as a mentally challenged 17 year old. You forget he is not handicapped in real life. I would not be surprised if he had a handicapped family member or a friend early in his life because his mannerisms and habits are impeccable. Johnny Depp is powerful in the lead role as Gilbert Grape. He observes the world around him and becomes more involved in his own self-interests towards the end of the film. I do not even think I am ready to analyze the film until I watch it again or read the novel. Please forgive me because this does not even scratch the surface of the genius of this film.
There are numerous themes that speak to the viewer, some more obvious than others. The film illustrates the cyclical nature of life and the dangers/rewards that accompany changes. Numerous cycles are running in the movie. The town of Endora, Iowa is experiencing change and Gilbert's friend Tucker (John C. Reilly)is desperately excited to join "corporate America" in the small town by getting a job at Burger Barn. He hopes to move up in the ranks and aspires to do more with his life than become a cog in the wheel of Endora, Iowa. The whole town, including Tucker is repeatedly fascinated by Arnie's attempts to climb to the top of the water tower. I think this ascent symbolizes the towns people desire to become upwardly mobile in society and perhaps leave Endora. Gilbert's other friend works at a funeral home and is ever anticipating death and the end of some people's cycle to fuel the beginning of his ascent. Gilbert is extremely important to Betty Carver. Their affair enables her to escape her unhappiness at home with her husband. When her husband dies, and at the end of each natural cycle in the film, a new cycle and journey begin. Gilbert's father and his mother both die and never leave Endora. They both died in the house and the ending to the movie is moving and emotional. The closing scene begins another cycle as Arnie is about to turn 19 and Becky returns.
Incredible movie and I reiterate that my brief analysis does not do justice to the genius behind this story and film. I highly recommend this movie.