What's Eating Gilbert Grape? [PG]

In the tiny country town of Endora lives Gilbert Grape who’s life it seems is forever to be tied down to the provision and care of his family: his housebound, obese mother, his two sisters, and his mentally impaired brother Arnie. Unsatisfied with his lot, change begins to stir when he crosses paths with Becky, a spirited young woman and seasoned traveller. As things begin to change at home and Arnie’s 18^th birthday draws nearer, it becomes clear that life hasn’t completely passed Gilbert by… all it’s done is taken a slight detour. 

This isn’t a movie that I can watch again and again over and over in quick succession, namely because it’s such a serenely beautiful tearjerker and you really need to be in the mood to cry. Crying can make you feel better, but you have to want to be made to cry and only when you’re in that mood can you wholeheartedly endure and enjoy the magic of sad movies whether it be Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, Edward Scissorhands, or What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? This movie is driven solely on the power of its story and its performances with very little else getting in the way of those entities. This is a truly gorgeous movie. 

In the tiny country town of Endora lives Gilbert Grape who’s life it seems is forever to be tied down to the provision and care of his family: his housebound, obese mother, his two sisters, and his mentally impaired brother Arnie. Unsatisfied with his lot, change begins to stir when he crosses paths with Becky, a spirited young woman and seasoned traveller. As things begin to change at home and Arnie’s 18^th birthday draws nearer, it becomes clear that life hasn’t completely passed Gilbert by… all it’s done is taken a slight detour. 

To give applause where applause is needed the most, first mention has to go to young Leonardo DiCaprio. Starring as Arnie, Leo delivers a staggering performance so brilliantly within the realms of the real. I do believe that as a result of his amazing performance the performances of the other actors simply fell into place creating this beautiful and genuine family chemistry that’s just captivating to watch. Leo sits comfortably up there with Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, which is a compliment that that I’d sure be happy with. YOU ROCK LEO! 

Johnny Depp stars as Gilbert, the “knight in shimmering armour” himself and he’s just so beautiful. He doesn’t give anything away here. Everything with him is subtle and barely registers or manifests itself on the face: a top quality trait in a great actor. Honestly though, Johnny Depp’s always great. I absolutely adore him. 

Starring Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Darlene Cates, Laura Harrington, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Kevin Tighe, John C. Reilly, and Crispin Glover, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? is a truly beautiful film filled with drama, love, courage, care, and the odd little bit of warm comedy. It’s a wonderful film to come back to once in a while if you feel like having a lovely little weep. It’s gorgeous.