The Superman Theory (Spoilers)
Here are the reasons why I think that Superman's origins correlates to the story of Barry.
-The Harmonium - The key to all of this is the harmonium. Barry needs to be one with the harmonium in order to attain all of his powers. The key to the harmonium working to its fullest extent and Barry learning how to play it is true love. For example, the day after he calls the phone-sex line, the harmonium gets broken. and Barry must patch it up.
-The Car Crash - This represents the crashing of Superman's space ship, and the subsequent arrival of the harmonium signifies that Barry's powers have arrived (if he can learn how to play it). Notice also that Lena shows up here too - Barry's true love who will help him with the powers.
-His Work - Barry's toilet plunger factory (or whatever you call it) is his Fortress of Solitude. The plungers even look like crystals.
-His Suit - The Suit is almost all blue at the beginning. This is the basic template. Throughout the story, Barry eventually gets a red tie, and the suit starts to look more like a Superman suit. Finally, in the last shot where Barry has mastered the harmonium/true love, Lena hangs onto his back. The specific lighting makes her red dress look like a cape.
-Lena Leonard - This would be the Lois Lane character - their initials are both LL, and you can even rearrange Lena to be Lane.
-The Mattress Man - The Mattress Man is the villain of the story. When we sweep through his work, we see a dusty harmonium in the corner - he had a love once too, and possibly powers, but those are gone. When Barry finally makes it to confront him, The Mattress Man is getting his haircut and therefore has a black cape on. When Barry says he has a love in his life, The Mattress Man stays silent - he knows how powerful Barry is.
-The Sisters - The Sisters are Barry's Kryptonite, and even wear green sometimes to show this.
-The Beatdown of the Four Brothers - Demonstration of Barry's powers (he beats them up for hurting the woman he loves).
I could go on and on - this movie is so brilliant. PTA is my favorite director. Have a second look at the movie with this in mind, it's quite amazing. Leave any responses you want (preferably not hate, but I'd be open to debate).