Movie Review: 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape"

The Academy Award and the Golden Globe 1994 nominated film “What’s Eating GIlbert Grape” is based on the complicated life of a young man with family issues but soon encounters a love interest that makes his life more hectic. Gilbert Grape, played by Johnny Depp, is a generous, caring person who is burdened with caring for his innocent brain damaged younger brother Arnie (played by Leonardo Dicaprio) and his depressed, obese mother Bonnie when Gilbert’s father is later to be revealed to have left the family three years ago. Gilbert is a young man who cares deeply for his friends and family, he is given the honor of being the man of the house but the task seems unsatisfying with all the responsibilities that comes along with it.

The clashing themes of family and love cause a whirlwind of troubles for Gilbert. When Becky suddenly comes into his life he gives his attention to her and leaves his chores, responsibilities, and relationships (affair) on hold just to spend time with her. Though she in some way is the reason why he has become irresponsible with his brother she teaches him that it is ok to want things for himself.

The movie is based on the humility that this young man has for being the son of the most obese person in town. We at one point in our lives can relate. We at a point in our lives have felt embarrassed a little by our parents or by our family in general.

I believe that this movie is not like any other. This movie doesn’t have a moral the purpose of this is to tell a story. A story of how love can change a life for the better. This movie isn’t action packed or has a meaningless death but it is about a typical family going through hard times, which we can also relate to.

I like the idea of not only have one obstacle for Gilbert, his mother but also his mentally disabled brother Arnie.

The performance that really shined through the whole movie was Leonardo Dicaprio’s performance of Arnie. It made a see a whole different side to him, he surprisingly successfully portrays Arnie as mentally disabled.

The ending was not that satisfying to me; at first I wasn't sure or supported the idea of burning the house down with the mother’s body still inside. But I liked the fact that it kept me wondering how Gilbert and his siblings lives were after they set the house on fire.

Rate: 8/10