What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a touching drama directed by Lasse Hallström that delves into family dynamics, personal sacrifice, and the challenges of small-town life. The film, set in the fictional town of Endora, follows the life of Gilbert Grape, a young man burdened with family responsibilities. It’s both a heartwarming and emotionally complex story that explores themes of duty, love, and the desire for freedom.

Detailed Summary

Gilbert’s Life in Endora

The movie centers on Gilbert Grape (played by Johnny Depp), a young man living in the small, isolated town of Endora. He works at a local grocery store, a job that barely supports his family. Gilbert’s life is dominated by the weight of responsibility, particularly for his intellectually disabled younger brother, Arnie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio in a breakthrough performance), and his severely obese mother, Bonnie Grape (Darlene Cates).

Gilbert is the de facto head of the household, taking care of Arnie, whose condition demands constant attention, while Bonnie is unable to leave the house due to her obesity. Their father committed suicide years earlier, leaving a deep scar on the family.

Arnie’s Trouble and Gilbert’s Frustration

Arnie is a constant source of both joy and frustration for Gilbert. Though deeply loved, Arnie’s unpredictable behavior, such as repeatedly climbing the town’s water tower, adds immense stress to Gilbert’s life. Gilbert’s frustration grows as he feels trapped in Endora, tethered to his family and unable to pursue his own dreams.

This frustration manifests in moments of anger and resentment, particularly toward his mother, whom he sees as a burden, and at Arnie, despite his love for him. Gilbert’s internal struggle is a key emotional thread throughout the film.

Becky: A Glimmer of Hope

The arrival of Becky (played by Juliette Lewis), a free-spirited young woman passing through Endora with her grandmother, injects a sense of hope and possibility into Gilbert’s life. Becky represents a life outside the confines of Endora and the possibility of love and freedom.

Her arrival sparks a quiet transformation in Gilbert, as she encourages him to see beyond his immediate circumstances. The two form a tender bond, and Becky becomes an important emotional outlet for Gilbert as he contemplates his future.

Bonnie Grape’s Moment of Dignity

Bonnie Grape, who spends most of the movie confined to her house, experiences a pivotal moment when she finally leaves the house to defend Arnie after he is arrested for climbing the water tower again. This is a significant scene as it shows Bonnie reclaiming her dignity and motherhood, despite her physical limitations.

However, her fragile health catches up with her shortly after, leading to her unexpected death. Her passing becomes a moment of deep reflection and change for Gilbert and the family.

The Climax: The Burning of the Grape House

In one of the film’s most emotionally charged moments, the Grape family decides to burn down their house after Bonnie’s death. Given her weight, the family knows she would be the subject of ridicule if the body were to be removed by outsiders. This symbolic act of burning the house reflects the end of the Grapes’ old life and their opportunity for renewal.

The Ending: A New Beginning

After Bonnie’s death and the destruction of their home, the film ends on a note of cautious optimism. Gilbert, Arnie, and the rest of the family are left to rebuild their lives. The film closes with Becky returning to take Gilbert and Arnie on a journey outside Endora, signaling a new chapter of freedom and possibility for Gilbert.

Movie Ending

The ending represents the beginning of a new life for Gilbert and Arnie. With their mother gone and the house destroyed, Gilbert is finally free from many of the burdens that have weighed him down. His relationship with Becky also suggests the possibility of a happier, more fulfilling future.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape does not have any post-credits scenes. The movie concludes with a clear, emotional resolution.

Type of Movie

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a drama with strong elements of coming-of-age and family dynamics. It’s a deeply emotional film that focuses on character development and relationships.

Cast

• Johnny Depp as Gilbert Grape
• Leonardo DiCaprio as Arnie Grape
• Juliette Lewis as Becky
• Darlene Cates as Bonnie Grape
• Mary Steenburgen as Betty Carver
• John C. Reilly as Tucker Van Dyke
• Crispin Glover as Bobby McBurney

Film Music and Composer

The music for the film was composed by Alan Parker, and the score complements the film’s quiet, reflective tone. The soundtrack includes soft, melodic tunes that enhance the emotional depth of the story and the small-town atmosphere of Endora.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Austin, Texas, and various small towns around Texas. The rural, sleepy backdrop plays a crucial role in reinforcing the themes of isolation and entrapment in the film. The wide-open fields and empty roads of the town symbolize the stagnation in Gilbert’s life, while also hinting at the possibility of escape and freedom.

Awards and Nominations

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape received critical acclaim, particularly for Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance, which earned him:

• Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor
• Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor

The film itself didn’t win any major awards but is highly regarded for its performances and heartfelt storytelling.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Leonardo DiCaprio spent time in homes for mentally disabled children to prepare for the role of Arnie.
• Johnny Depp has described filming Gilbert Grape as a challenging experience, saying he was going through a personal rough patch at the time.
• Darlene Cates, who played Bonnie Grape, was discovered on a talk show where she discussed her struggles with obesity.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on the novel What’s Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges, who also wrote the screenplay. The film stays relatively close to the source material, focusing on the same themes of family responsibility, small-town life, and personal freedom.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No significant alternate endings or deleted scenes have been made public, but the ending of the film closely aligns with the book, offering a sense of closure and hope for the future.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie remains faithful to Peter Hedges’ novel but streamlines certain subplots and characters for brevity. In the book, more attention is given to the town’s various inhabitants and Gilbert’s internal monologue. The film condenses some of these elements to focus more on the core family dynamic.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Arnie climbing the water tower, causing panic in the town.
• Gilbert lashing out at Arnie in a moment of frustration and then regretting it.
• Bonnie walking to the police station to defend Arnie.
• The Grape family burning down their house after Bonnie’s death.

Iconic Quotes

• Gilbert: “It’s not going to happen again. This is the last time.”
• Becky: “Tell me what you want, as fast as it comes to you.”
• Gilbert: “We’re not going anywhere.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The use of the water tower as a symbol for Arnie’s tendency to push limits and challenge societal norms.
• The subtle shift in Gilbert’s behavior toward his mother throughout the movie, representing his growing understanding and empathy.

Trivia

• Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Arnie is often cited as one of his best early roles, despite being only 19 at the time.
• Darlene Cates had no prior acting experience before playing Bonnie Grape.
• The house-burning scene was symbolic, but it also served as a practical necessity since Bonnie’s body could not realistically be moved due to her weight.

Why Watch?

This movie is a must-watch for its deeply emotional storytelling, brilliant performances, and its portrayal of complex family dynamics. It showcases one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s finest performances and features Johnny Depp at his brooding, understated best. The film is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices we make for family and the difficult balance between duty and personal freedom.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Cider House Rules (1999)
• Chocolat (2000)
• My Life as a Dog (1985)
• The Shipping News (2001)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Cider House Rules (1999)
• A River Runs Through It (1992)
• Forrest Gump (1994)
• Rain Man (1988)
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006)