What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Gilbert Grape is a small-town young man with a lot of responsibility. Chief among his concerns are his mother, who is so overweight that she can't leave the house, and his mentally impaired younger brother, Arnie, who has a knack for finding trouble. Settled into a job at a grocery store and an ongoing affair with local woman Betty Carver, Gilbert finally has his life shaken up by the free-spirited Becky.
Critics Sentiment
Gilbert burns down house creating funeral pyre for Bonnie
Gilbert loses patience and hits Arnie then flees in guilt
The film swings dramatically from Gilbert's lowest moment hitting Arnie (6.2) to the emotionally powerful house burning sequence (9.2), representing liberation from years of burden.
The film builds steadily from a careful small-town introduction through DiCaprio's acclaimed performance as Arnie, reaching emotional peaks with the mother's public appearance and ultimate death. Critics consistently praised the authentic performances and genuine emotion, with the burning house finale providing cathartic closure. The ending delivers hope and liberation after depicting the realistic struggles of caregiving and family obligation.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 29
Johnny Depp
Gilbert Grape
Leonardo DiCaprio
Arnie Grape
Juliette Lewis
Becky
Mary Steenburgen
Betty Carver
Darlene Cates
Momma
Laura Harrington
Amy Grape
Mary Kate Schellhardt
Ellen Grape
Kevin Tighe
Mr. Carver
John C. Reilly
Tucker Van Dyke
Crispin Glover
Bobby McBurney
Penelope Branning
Becky's Grandma
Tim Green
Mr. Lamson
Susan Loughran
Mrs. Lamson
Robert B. Hedges
Minister
Mark Jordan
Todd Carver
Cameron Finley
Doug Carver
Brady Coleman
Sheriff Farrel
Tim Simek
Deputy
Nicholas Stojanovich
Boy #1
Libby Villari
Waitress
Crew
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