What’s Eating Gilbert Grape: A Review of the Classic Johnny Depp Movie
“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” is a classic movie starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio that follows the story of a dysfunctional family struggling with their own inner demons. From the moment it was released in 1993, it has been widely praised for its strong characters, beautiful cinematography, and emotional depth. Now available on Amazon, this timeless film can be enjoyed by modern audiences as well.
The film centers around Gilbert (Depp), a young man who is stuck in a small town with his family: his mother Bonnie (Darlene Cates), his mentally disabled brother Arnie (DiCaprio), his sisters Amy and Ellen (Laura Harrington and Mary Kate Schellhardt) and their grandmother (played by Juliette Lewis). Gilbert takes on the responsibility of caring for his siblings while also trying to figure out a way to escape from the monotony of their life. He finds solace in taking care of the local grocery store, but struggles to understand why he feels so disconnected from everyone else.
At its heart, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” is a story about learning to accept yourself and those around you despite all of your differences. The performances are top-notch, particularly DiCaprio’s portrayal of Arnie, which earned him an Oscar nomination. This special edition DVD also includes deleted scenes and a commentary track with director Lasse Hallström, making it an even more comprehensive look at this beloved classic. For fans of drama or anyone looking for a powerful story about family dynamics, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” is highly recommended.