The world of cinema is filled with dysfunctional family dynamics, and that much is certain. However, most of the time they are shown without any nuance to them, they aren’t shown as a real family where despite all the dysfunction, you stay anyways because you have a connection that you won’t find anywhere else.
That’s where What’s Eating Gilbert Grape comes in, a film about a family so weird, and yet so close-knit that not even a corporation can go up against them.
How to Download What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you like Johnny Depp, check him out also in Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Leonardo DiCaprio’s fans should see him also in Titanic, Shutter Island, Inception, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
The Movie Review
In the idyllic, yet troubled town of Endora, Gilbert Grape is a man struggling with the weight of responsibility. As the primary caregiver for his mentally handicapped brother, Arnie, and the sole provider for his morbidly obese mother, Bonnie, Gilbert’s days are filled with the mundane tasks of house repair and grocery runs.
As the town faces the arrival of a new, corporate “Foodland” supermarket, threatening the livelihood of the small, family-owned Lamson’s Grocery where Gilbert works, Gilbert must be the one who holds the family together with the help of his loved ones. Gilbert’s struggles are further complicated by his secret affair with the married Betty Carver, adding a layer of guilt and complexity to his already difficult life…
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a masterful and deeply moving story that delves into the complexities of small-town family life. The film expertly portrays the troubled lives of its characters, capturing the struggles and triumphs of everyday people in a way that is both raw and authentic.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to delve deep into the emotions of its characters, providing a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of family dynamics. From the strained relationship between Gilbert and his mother Bonnie to the bond of love and protection that Gilbert feels for his mentally handicapped brother Arnie, the film paints a vivid picture of the complexities of family.
The film also does a great job of showcasing the struggles of small-town life, depicting the economic struggles and the impact of corporate greed on the community. It highlights the importance of family, community, and the power of love and connection in the face of difficult circumstances.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is elevated by the incredible performances of its cast members, their performances are the heart and soul of the film and make it impossible to imagine the film being half as good if it wasn’t for them. Johnny Depp delivers a career-defining performance as Gilbert, perfectly capturing the character’s inner turmoil.
Leonardo DiCaprio also shines as Arnie, delivering a powerful and moving performance that captures the innocence and vulnerability of the character.
The supporting cast, including Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, and Darlene Cates, also deliver outstanding performances. Together, the cast creates a powerful ensemble that brings the film to a level of excellence.
The cinematography of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a subtle and understated work of art that perfectly complements the film’s storytelling. Rather than relying on flashy or stylistic shots, the film’s cinematography chooses to focus on the subtle beauty of the everyday.
From the sweeping shots of the small town of Endora to the intimate close-ups of the characters, the film’s cinematography immerses the audience in the story and the lives of its characters. The film also chooses to use a simplistic color filter, rather than something more stylistic or flashy.
This choice allows the film to bask in its subtle and simplistic beauty.
The Music
The composers of the soundtrack, Alan Parker and Björn Isfält, did an excellent job of understanding the tone of the film and creating music that perfectly captures the emotions of the characters and the story. The soundtrack is a perfect example of how a film’s music can enhance the emotional impact of the story.
The music creates a sense of nostalgia and longing that perfectly complements the film’s portrayal of small-town life and the struggles of the characters. The use of guitar as the main instrument in the soundtrack is also an interesting choice, it creates an intimate and personal atmosphere that fits well with the story.
The guitar melodies are simple, but effective, creating a sense of longing and sadness that perfectly captures the tone of the film.
Verdict
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a masterful and deeply moving film that expertly explores the complexities of a dysfunctional family and small-town life through powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and beautiful cinematography.
Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio deliver career-defining performances as Gilbert and Arnie, while the supporting cast, including Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, and Darlene Cates, also deliver outstanding performances.
The film’s subtle and understated cinematography captures the beauty of everyday life and the somber guitar soundtrack adds depth and emotion to the storytelling. A must-see for anyone interested in great storytelling, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes.
