What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Life Is A Terrible Thing To Sleep Through.
Johnny Depp plays Gilbert and Juliette Lewis is the girl who turns his life around in this flawless blend of comedy and drama that includes Leonardo DiCaprio's stunning Oscar®- nominated performance as Gilbert's mentally impaired younger brother. Newcomer Darlene Cates (as Momma) and Mary Steenburgen (as a housewife who wants Gilbert all to herself) co-star in "one of the most real, honest and unusual pictures of the year" (Bill Diehl, ABC RadioNetwork).
Member Reviews
Interesting - Shawnamana
I had no idea what I was getting into when I rented this movie. First of all Leonardo Dicaprio did and amazing job in this movie. The story was not one reguarly told but it was a good one. I loved everything about this movie. It was especially nice to see actors who are more famous now when they were younger.Strong Acting. Highly Recommended. - Mike21
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 know this, but it is in this Guardian Angel that his love and bond for Arnie cannot, and will not, be let go.A film any Depp or Dicaprio fan should watch. A very heartfelt story!!! - moviemonger
With a young DiCaprio nominated for an Oscar after his breakthrough performance here, it was clear he would go on to be a successful actor. Depp puts in a reliable performance as the put-upon son who finds solace in the company of waitress, Juliette Lewis. All three deliver memorable performances along with a strong supporting cast. WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE is one of those “smaller” films that comes out of nowhere and smacks you in the face with how damn good it is. There is a good, realistic story here backed up by some truly Oscar worthy performances. Continuing my brief Johnny Depp stint, the guy just doesn’t cease to captivate me no matter what the role. He’s an everyman but slightly better looking. Depp plays Gilbert with a depressing languor that you really feel for his character. To top that, I could really identify with his situation. Of course, if you have ever seen or heard of this film, then you know the break out star is Leo! DiCaprio’s portrayal of the retarded Arnie is so believable and sincere that you intently watch the movie just to see what happens to him. Throw in a great supporting cast including John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, and Juliette Lewis and you have a damned good film that happens to have a heartfelt story of family, and appreciation. It is not easy being the man of the family with no future in sight, that’s why you watch Gilbert’s plight with such interest. Adding to the pot, are other storylines like being a store clerk, dangerous sex with housewife, family problems, love issues, and a whole lot more. In short, this is a great drama that shouldn’t be missed. It will keep you entertained and you might even learn something about yourself from it. If anything, see it for the Deppster and Leo!
Member Reviews
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Interesting - Shawnamana
I had no idea what I was getting into when I rented this movie. First of all Leonardo Dicaprio did and amazing job in this movie. The story was not one reguarly told but it was a good one. I loved everything about this movie. It was especially nice to see ...Strong Acting. Highly Recommended. - Mike21
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, ...A film any Depp or Dicaprio fan should watch. A very heartfelt story!!! - moviemonger
With a young DiCaprio nominated for an Oscar after his breakthrough performance here, it was clear he would go on to be a successful actor. Depp puts in a reliable performance as the put-upon son who finds solace in the company of waitress, Juliette Lewis. ...