What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

After his father's death, Gilbert has to care for his mentally-disabled brother, Arnie, and his morbidly obese mother. This situation is suddenly challenged though, when love unexpectedly walks into his life.

Director:

Lasse Hallström

Writers:

Peter Hedges (novel), Peter Hedges (screenplay)

Stars:

Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 8 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Johnny Depp	...	Gilbert Grape
Leonardo DiCaprio	...	Arnie Grape
Juliette Lewis	...	Becky
Mary Steenburgen	...	Betty Carver
Darlene Cates	...	Bonnie Grape
Laura Harrington	...	Amy Grape
Mary Kate Schellhardt	...	Ellen Grape
Kevin Tighe	...	Ken Carver
John C. Reilly	...	Tucker Van Dyke
Crispin Glover	...	Bobby McBurney
Penelope Branning	...	Becky's Grandma
Tim Green	...	Mr. Lamson
Susan Loughran	...	Mrs. Lamson
Robert B. Hedges	...	Minister (as Rev. Robert B. Hedges)
Mark Jordan	...	Todd Carver

Storyline

What's Eating Gibert Grape is a beautifully shot movie of tenderness, caring and self-awareness that is set amongst the fictional working class one street town Endora. Centred around the Grape family Ellen and Amy and their two brothers Arnie and Gilbert, who, along with their morbidly obese widowed mother Bonnie Grape are striving to survive and coexist with the absence of a father figure, low wage work and seventeen-year-old Arnie's severe mental condition. It is in this awkward and extremely one sided affair that the unfortunate Gilbert has to constantly, while working for the town's slowly dying convenience store, take care of his younger brother Arnie. Gilbert's life, his future, is thwarted he knows this, but it is in this guardian angel that his love and bond for Arnie cannot, and will not, be let go. That is until the free spirit of Becky arrives in town, and with her grandmother are stranded for the week while waiting for parts for their vehicle. This realization unties new ...

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Plot Keywords:

mentally challenged | small town | countryside | rural setting | responsibility | 

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Taglines:

An unusual story of life...and love in the heartland.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for elements of mature subject matter

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 March 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gilbert Grape

Filming Locations:

Georgetown, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$9,170,214

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Writer Peter Hedges based Bonnie on a woman he used to know when he was growing up in Iowa.

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Goofs

The first time Arnie climbs the tower, Gilbert's pickup truck is parked below although he has not driven up yet.

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Quotes

Gilbert: I know a boy whose name is Arnie... he's, uh, 'bout to turn 18 and have a big party. I know a boy whose name is Arnie. C'mon down, buddy.

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Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Amistad/Titanic/Good Will Hunting/The Apostle (1997)

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Soundtracks

Waterfalls
Written and Performed by Joseph S. DeBeasi

User Reviews

Watch it for Leonardo DiCaprio's Astounding Performance!

'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' is a yet another film, that showcases & salutes the Talent of Leonardo DiCaprio. As a mentally challenged young boy, DiCaprio owns this film from start to end. This Performance is an Acting Study!

'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' Synopsis: Gilbert has to care for his brother Arnie and his obese mother, which gets in the way when love walks into his life.

As a film, 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' is emotional & heartfelt. Lasse Hallström Directs this Family-Drama with care & passion. Peter Hedges's Screenplay is emotionally engaging & heartfelt.

DiCaprio's Oscar-Nominated Performance is the Truly THE Greatest strength of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'. This is among his greatest performances. And as mentioned, this is among those performances, that can rank as an 'Acting Study'.

Among other performances, Johnny Depp is flawless as Gilbert Grape. Juliette Lewis is very good. Mary Steenburgen & John C. Reilly are decent. Darlene Cates is fantastic.

On the whole, 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' is an emotionally engaging film, but over-here, its DiCaprio's Astounding Performance that Shines the Brightest!