superb vehicle for Leo and Kate

Rating: 10/10 (14 April 2014)

I just don't see how this film could be any better. The cinematography, the script, the score and the characters ring 100% true throughout. There aren't many films that actually make the viewer cry because they can empathize so much with the lead characters. I felt a personal loss at the end when April dies. And di Caprio's reaction was absolutely tragic. These two actors are completely in sync with each other and it shows in the believability of the films they make.
I think that Alice was totally incapable of being the suburban housewife She simply could not continue when her dream of moving to Paris was destroyed. Honestly, I'm not sure why she did what she did - whether she intended to commit suicide or just terminate her pregnancy. It seems to the viewer that she had options, but a person in such a situation doesn't see the options and that is the tragedy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the supporting actors, especially the neighbor "Shep" who was in love with April and could not express his devastation at losing her. The realtor's son John who is on leave from the insane asylum is marvelous and provides the role of "Greek chorus" you might say. Speaking the truth but in a non socially-acceptable manner. He is a breath of fresh air in the strait-jacket life of those around him.
I haven't read the book, but a notable theme seems to be that people who can't conform in that time and place have two options: insanity or death.