There is nothing more tear-worthy than a movie that focuses on what most people do not see, or do not want to see. The poverty of America. Though some find the whole concept of poverty positively heart-breaking, I do believe that ignoring it is more upsetting then ever. A tale of a young man, trying to hold together his painful family consisting of a mentally-retarded teenager(Leonardo DiCaprio, may I applaud you and give you my own personal Oscar award), a mother who has let herself go into the horrible state of obesity, a sister who is totally obsessed with appearance and is terrified of what people think, and another sister who quarrels relentlessly with the other sister. Poor Gilbert just wants to be rid of all the hassles in his life, its hard to even imagine whats NOT eating Gilbert Grape. With everyone on his back, treating him like hes the father of all of them, the words: Gilbert? What are you going to do about this?, always roll into his ears, driving him more and more insane. This isnt just a sad tale, its a story that is based on reality. Reality, people tend to pretend isnt there.
Johnny Depp isnt one of my favorite actors. I mean, he is no Edward Norton or anything, but in this movie, he was a very convincing sad-sad man. And to think, it all started on the set of A Nightmare On Elm Street? He has gone far. I admire that.
As for Leonardo DiCaprio, it is no surprise to me that he was fantastic playing a mentally-retarded teenager. Though he has been plastered as a the Teen Bop actor with his striking good looks, people tend to forget his motive. He is an actor and acting he does well. Remember This Boys Life and Basketball Diaries? If not, you are denying the true talent of this Hollywood face. I admit, he is an attractive young man, but when it comes to actors, I focus more on their abilities rather than what covers it up.
In conclusion, this is a movie I will always cherish as one of the best movies of all time. Those movies about what really surrounds us day-by-day are what make me see what makes this America. The poverty, the rape, the murder, the suicide, the drugs...it all exists around us, and Whats Eating Gilbert Grape shoves it right back in our faces with its real life horror life-style. Its a shame Leonardo DiCaprio didnt win for this role, but it also figures. The most talented are rarely credited for in the lovely land of Hollywood. Its whos been around longer(and the winner goes to Tommy Lee Jones!). But as for a film that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, I suggest picking this one up next time you get the chance.
Bizarre whimsical and touching scenes mark WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE. Johnny Depp is Gilbert the eldest brother in a large family of a very large mo...More at Family Video
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