What's Eating Gilbert Grape? | The Beauty of a Simple Life

[@MTTT19]

Something that I admire about Johnny Depp’s performance is that even though he doesn’t openly say it to his family, but through some of his actions (reversing his car into his sister, running out on his mother and assaulting Arnie) he’s saying to them, “It’s because of you people I can’t have a life”.

[@joanbass9061]

Discussing what it was that was eating Gilbert. There is this scene where Gilbert and Arnie are on the front porch. Arnie is swinging around the banister singing "we're not going anywhere". I think that was it. Gilbert was stuck. He realized he was not going anywhere in life. His responsibilities (that should have belonged to his parents) weighed him down. Yet he loved his family. At the end when he finally did leave taking Arnie with him, it showed a hope he could finally have to have a life for himself with a girl who accepted his brother.

[@pleaserewind295]

I love at the end when Gilbert says "We can go anywhere."

[@joanbass9061]

@@pleaserewind295 Yes, l remember that ending line now. Finally free to go anywhere.

[@AutisticBrain]

I wish there was a new movie that would catch up with Arnie and Gilbert I want to know where they ended up,
Would anyone else like a number 2 also? If so maybe we can encourage them to make a second movie.

[@stillwaters2121]

In my opinion, that is how it feels to get fired from a job.
At first, you are devastated.
Then, you realize that you are free ... you can now do something that is hopefully better.@@pleaserewind295

[@apollocircle]

As a mother of a kid like Arnie, I can honestly say that Leo nails it with eerie accuracy. Our family watched this film with a sort of validation feeling....yeah, it's just like that. I don't know how he did this with such realism.

[@Rugelacharugula]

Same. He absolutely does not get enough credit. When living w a spec needs kiddo, even decent neuro-typical actors come off as parody. This...I couldn't tell you this wasn't just some disabled young actor. No words. None.

[@mtblaho]

I read an article that quoted Leo as saying that he spent time at a home for teens with disabilities. He learned so much from them and he was also able to mimic some of their movements which made his performance so realistic.

[@fabsmaster5309]

I thought the movie was mostly about the tension between death as stagnation and life as change.
The setting is a dying town besieged by the march of change as Gilbert works at a small grocery store being slowly killed by a larger chain. He has two friends, one a mortician who excitedly waits for people to die, and the other a hopeful franchisee who wants to bring new life to their town.
Momma is literally eating herself to death as she is “wedged in the house”, and Gilbert talks about how it was like his father was already dead before he hung himself, probably because he felt tied down just like Gilbert feels.
The inciting incident is Becky coming along, someone who has traveled the world and is living the complete opposite life that Gilbert is living. The only changing part of her life is the fact that she is always moving, at least until their car breaks down. That is why she is so attractive to Gilbert, not because of her physical beauty. Her counterpart is the wife of the life insurance agent who tells Gilbert that she had chosen him because she knew he would “never leave”, meaning he would always be stuck in that town.
It’s also significant that his nemesis if he was one in the film is a “life” insurance agent, always “waiting for his call”, and when he finally takes the call, we don’t know if he is threatening Gilbert or if he really just wants to warn him of what dire straits await his family if Gilbert leaves them, either through death or pursuing his own happiness.
This highlights another key point in the movie that change isn’t always for the best and leaving your old life isn’t always the solution. Gilbert’s older brother “got away”, but he left his family worse off for it. Similarly the first time Gilbert leaves Endorra, he does so after striking Artie and leaving his family in chaos. We don’t get the feeling that Gilbert is going to be happy either. Contrast this with the way he and Artie leave at the end, having put Momma to rest and knowing that his sisters will be okay.
On the other hand, we see that settling down at least for a season can work out for the best when Beck and Gilbert strike up a romance as a result of Becky and her grandma being forced to stay in Endorra while their car gets fixed. If not for their mechanical troubles, their story would not have been possible.
Perhaps the most obvious sign of this theme is the funny scene when everyone is at the funeral for the life insurance agent, and we see the Burger Barn being delivered, immediately followed by the scene with the over-the-top grand opening of the Burger Barn. The dreams of both his mortician friend and his Franchisee friend are fulfilled in sequence, one by the death of the life insurance agent and the other by the birth of the burger barn. This mirrors the way the children’s dreams are fulfilled following Momma’s death and the literal burning of their old life to the ground.
Thanks to anyone who read all that. I just wanted to organize my thoughts somewhere.

[@ferdinandleano4153]

This is Dicaprios greatest performance to date even better than the Revenant of Wolf of Wall Street.

[@jrhamilton4448]

Absolutely true

[@COCACOLAwithpizza]

I just watched this yesterday and Wow just Wow.I have never seen a performance like this one from DiCaprio.Best performance ever by far

[@NoOne-ky1er]

Only close performance I would say is The Aviator

[@user-fz5kf9bt4b]

If you followed mama on Facebook before she passed away, she’d message her fans out of the blue. She was an incredibly sweet lady and she’s greatly missed.

[@WalldoTheWInner]

I just watched this for the first time last night. Boy what a movie. Really hit me in a wierd spot emotionally. Made me miss the 90s

[@TheSherminator.]

Dude for real man I’m only 18 and this movie struck me in an insane place everything about it felt way to real….

[@EstuaryMarciano]

Fun fact: What's Eating Gilbert is based on the novel by Peter Hedges. Hedges also wrote the screen play for the movie. Highly recommend reading the novel.

[@08Karimi]

I could not disagree with you more about the casting of Juliette Lewis. She is just perfect in the part, because the character is very much like her.

[@SatanN8n]

I agree, she represents freedom and adds contrast to Gilbert's confinement

[@stillwaters2121]

I think that Juliette Lewis was miscast.
She is a beautiful and talented actress.
But, in this movie, she was made unattractive by the haircut and the clothes.
I do not think that Gilbert would have fallen for a girl who looked like her.
It would have been better to show Juliette Lewis as the beauty that she really is.
It reminds me of the movie "Blind Date" where Kim Basinger was made to look so much less attractive than she was.
It didnt make sense that Bruce Willis's character would go crazy over her like he did.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Such a great film. The story, the direction and the acting is incredible. This is one of Johnny Depp’s most underrated performances, if not the most underrated. Leonardo DiCaprio gave his best performance in this film and should have received the Academy Award for the film. I agree with you that he’s quite overrated. I mean, DiCaprio is a fine actor, and I too enjoy him in films like Inception and Shutter Island, but his Oscar win for The Revenant should’ve happened 20+ years before with What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. And all the other performers in the film are really good too. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is such a great film, I’m glad it has received the attention it deserves in later years and isn’t one of those films that’s just remembered for giving a big star their big break. It’s a well made film with a great story. Thank you for making a video about this Pat. Keep up the great work.

[@jen5487]

My aunt was very similar to Bonnie Grape, and her name was Bonnie. She weighed over 500lbs and was only 5'0" tall. She could barely walk, let alone leave the house. It's a very realistic depiction of that life.
I love this movie and it's almost like a security blanket type of movie for me. I watch it all the time.

[@fantomlimb5008]

I think Gilbert is ashamed of his mother for actually most of the movie. The line where she says "I didnt plan to be like this" or something of that nature was the transition point along with her approving of his girlfriend. Soon after she dies and he has a freak out moment and decides shes not gonna be a laughing stock. Although previously in the movie he would collect money from kids to let them see her essentially as a laughing stock.
With all that said, he might actually be mad at her vs ashamed. After their father died she began gaining weight and essentially stopped taking care of her kids. He's possibly angry that she's not helping and theres so much burden on his shoulders.

[@pleaserewind295]

I think it's more the anger.

[@shabbssiee]

True.
@@pleaserewind295

[@shabbssiee]

That was absolute anger that turned into a disappointment

[@madizzle90]

I think that Betty's husband didn't have an accidental drowning--he was killed by Gilbert's friend Bobby. ;-) At one point, bobby said that business at the funeral home was slow since no one was dying. The real twist.

[@YoloTB]

I always thought Carver killed himself out of pride that his wife cheated on him or some other reason

[@KurticeYZreacts]

im tearing up pretty much 10min into this video remembering everything. theres a close relationship between each character & it gets ya good. that makes great movies generally

[@jrhamilton4448]

Such a fantastic movie having had a cousin who was a mentally handicapped adult who's mother my aunt was severely overweight I can completely understand. It has an impact on the dynamic of the family.

[@javiermeza53]

Thanks for clarifying what happened to their dad! I totally missed the hints.

[@crimsonstorm34]

I disagree with your analysis of Gilbert not being ashamed of his mother. He was ashamed of his mother until toward the end of the movie when he realized he did love his mother and accepted her for what she was.

[@pleaserewind295]

In my experience, people get used to something they're around all the time. I don't think he would have a sense of humor about her if he really cared that much. I do agree that there's a turning point when he brings Becky to the house.

[@stillwaters2121]

I always felt that Gilbert loved his mother ... just like he loved Arnie.
It is exhausting and overwhelming to have so much responsibility so young ... with no break (just one day away) and no help (a babysitter or a health aide).
If Gilbert takes just a little bit of time for himself (to go out on a date or whatever), then he is made to feel guilt.
Trapped in a dying small town ... in a boring dead-end job ... in a house that is falling apart ...
Forced to be the man of the house ... and cant have his own family (his own house with wife and children and good job).
These burdens were not his choices (like it would be if these were his children).
What is "eating" him. .. The depression must be so deep... and he must be a good decent person not to run off the way that his older brother did.
I was surprised that Gilbert seemed happy (or content) with his life at the end.

[@rcharmel9316]

As an Iowan, I can honestly say they depicted Midwestern life as realistically as possible. It's simple, beautiful, and miserable all wrapped into one.

[@simmonedavis98]

I've been waiting for a What's Eating Gilbert Grape analysis!!

[@shenyongo]

I hope this video gets more views, it's deserving of more attention.

[@manthonychavez]

You're missing the huge fact that the deceased father and mother in this film FAILED their children. Dad was not much of a carpenter and ultimately built an unsafe home for his children and ABANDONED them through suicide. It would be very good for Gilbert to leave and Arnie to be placed in adult protective services; because Gilbert deserves to have his own life.
The name 'GIlbert' means "bright, pledge, hostage". This is referred to essentially by the fact that his mother's failure to take responsibility has resulted in him living at home as an adult and not getting to leave. And why not criticism of his mother-she utterly failed her children and it is completely understandable that people would be ashamed of her.
This movie has very little to with small town dynamics. It is a portrayal of a dysfunctional, abusive family that HAPPENS to live in a small town.
And the decision to have the offspring burn the house down was the choice of the writer-the filmmakers just stayed true to it.

[@caiodebraganca7792]

This abandonment thing is kinda talked about by Gilbert. he said that he doesnt blame his father because he was already dead inside. Momma does recognizes how she failed them. The whole story is about Gilbert having to take care of the family

[@madelers]

I do agree with you on these points, and it does unfortunately portray what a lot of families are going through. Living life, struggling because of the sins of their parents, and the parent struggling because of the sins of theirs. The ending is redeeming because of the awakening through the struggle. She finally takes some accountability which opens up the opportunity for Gilbert to forgive her. And thus he is reborn. It’s beautifully done.

[@fabsmaster5309]

That is all true, but I'm glad the film wasn't a flat condemnation of the parents' actions. That would not have made for a very compelling story. It's also easy to tell someone to abandon their family and go live their best life, but its much harder if you are the one faced with that decision.

[@austin_moore_47]

How the hell that "
Please Rewind" is not famous, this review is great

[@AriaMohtadiHaghighi]

100% truth about Depp's performance here. Especially his chemistry with Leonardo in the fight scene and beforehand, as you mentioned. I kind of feel like his performance in Chocolat is along the same lines, as if it's the same character. Thanks for covering this movie.

[@kifflom4032]

That make sense why he did that movie. He like working with same people. Makes sense.

[@DraziwLestat]

My favorite scene out of the whole movie is the moment right before they burn the house….. you see Gilbert speaking to Arnie from a distance with Arnie having his head down in which you can assume Gilbert is explaining what they are about to do….. Arnie nods his head and Gilbert hugs him. It’s just to me one of the most emotional scenes I’ve ever seen!

[@monacaravetta]

A lovely analysis. I respectfully disagree re: Juliette Lewis, she exuded warmth and kindness that Gilbert desperately needed in his life. I was a fan.
Have you seen Snowcake (Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman) or Zelly and Me (Isabella Rossellini)?
Love to know your thoughts. Subscribed!

[@madelers]

I absolutely agree! I’m not a big fan of her honestly, although she is a great actress, but I think she was perfect in this movie! I can’t even imagine who else could be better!

[@aaronk3788]

I believe the message behind this movie is centered around the mother. A person can only love another as much as they love themselves and she did not love herself that much therefore her capacity to love her family was equal to the love for herself. Johnny's character basically had his elder childhood/young adulthood taken from him because he had to step up and be the parent that she couldn't be because of her selfish choices. So the message is to love yourself to your highest degree through compassion and sacrifice so that you can love those around you at that same heightened capacity.

[@SuperOtakuKyo]

Just watched the film for the first time, and I agree it didn't come off like Gilbert was really ashamed of his mom since he accepted her for who she is. I think the turning point that happens at Arnie's birthday party isn't about him no longer being ashamed of her, but more so he came to understand her better than he did before and appreciate her for who she is not just as his mother but also as a person.

[@JohnHiett]

Great review of a great movie. A high point for both Depp and Hallstrom. The writer Peter Hedges went onto write and direct Pieces of April and Dan in Real Life, which both have similar qualities.

[@timy9197]

Great review. This is one of those forgotten classics. This is also one of the reasons Martin Scorsese has casted Leo on a regular basis. Also, what do you think of Depps Donnie Brasco performance?

[@AutisticBrain]

Frick there's a What's Eating Gilbert Grape book oh crap and I haven't looked at it I'm going to have to look at it because loved, the film when I watched it and still in love with the film.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

This is one of my favorite films as well. It's so delicate, almost like it's too good for this world. I love that it never tells you really what it's about, it just lets you dream about it.

[@madelers]

Love this! Yes!!!!

[@austin_moore_47]

You're the only one reviewing this movie, thank you!

[@anantambisht4895]

This is so.detailed that I love this , I have never seen as detailed a analysis as this

[@canyonfox45thisismygoodsid68]

I was born summer 83 and was always just more of a movie nerd than any of my friends.so when I would share new movies that I saw a trailer for on the newest VHS.my grade school friends just never got it.my mother did.she introduced me to great film's, Heather's,the graduate, hellraiser 1&2, Omen etc.i took her to what's eating Gilbert Grape.she was a behavioral specialist,using behavior modification, posative and negative reinforcement for severe behavior disorders.so she didn't know DiCaprio was an actor or not disabled. I Told her he was in a critter's & more recent,this boys life.great fucking Job, great FUCKING movie!

[@MagicalCreations-fw7pj]

I'm only 1 gene/chromosone from being Arnie. I always loved this movie bc he was like a brother I never had but always wanted. We could have been twins, almost! This is my all time favorite movie. I just couldn't identify with the rest of them. Arnie was very lucky. Today's society is 100 years behind this movie but doesn't know it.

[@chairde]

Leo was stunningly good in this film.

[@doriangraye1971]

Really enjoyable breakdown. I can feel the ❤️

[@stillwaters2121]

One thing that really touches me about this movie is the connection of the characters to their real lives.
The actress who played the obese mother ... in real life, she died the same way that the character died ... she died young in her sleep due to obesity.
It reminds me of another tragedy of an actress ... which breaks my heart.
Mabel King ... in real life, she was obese with diabetes.
She had a toe amputated.
Then a leg amputated.
Then the other leg amputated.
Then an arm amputated.
Until she died in her 60s.
I can't imagine the physical and emotion pain.

[@Rugelacharugula]

If you've ever lived in Podunk, USA, this movie is just REAL. Painfully so.

[@joetaverna5264]

Man I really love your review of this it made me realize that this movie and the lead character have a lot more parallels with my life then I had ever realized great review buddy

[@pleaserewind295]

Thank you so much.

[@TheSoulOfGenius]

Wish this had more views. Great channel and analysis

[@PeggyAmaya]

Benny and Joon is a great movie too.

[@selenedm999]

Did you read the book? I don't think you mentioned it at all but it was based on the novel, and the author wrote the screenplay. Depp didn't like the f@t jokes and was often apologizing after the scenes. And when she passed away, Leo said Darlene Cates was his favorite film mom.

[@pleaserewind295]

I think I brought up the writer, but I don't remember because this video is old.

[@HipHop226]

Just finished the book. Some of the characters are very different

[@abrazalves]

A great movie that still today's is relevant.

[@cyberhermit1222]

Feel sorry for Gilbert. He's trapped by the actions of both his parents.

[@madelers]

Loved this review! Love this movie so much! You really did it Justice! ❤️

[@ashleyburchettajleefanlove4683]

I Absolutely love this movie ❤ all the actors were amazing ❤ Johnny Depp was amazing, This movie is really amazing and I was crying at the end 😂

[@AxeCheeks]

Disagree with calling leo overrated. Hes not.

[@stillwaters2121]

I cant imagine who (what actor) could have done better than Leo in playing Arnie.
It is a difficult role.
And, of course, the actor needs to have chemistry with the other actors in the movie... Leo and Johnny have chemistry ... it is believable that they are brothers.
And, Leo was young.
I dont like it when young characters are played by older actors.
Too many high school movies have 30 year olds playing teens.
I loved the movie "Romeo and Juliet" from the 1960s where Romeo and Juliet were played by teens ... too many versions of that play had 30 and 40 year olds playing those 13 and 14 year olds. Ironically, Leo was in a version of that play ... although he was young, he did not look 14.

[@d.k.6361]

I heard a story, but I don't know if it's true. The report said that Johnny Depp, after filming each day, would go to Darlene Cates, who played his Mom, and apologize to her for what was said about her in the film, and what his character would have to say about her in the film, etc. He was very sensitive to how she must have been feeling while doing this part. I hope it's a true story, just to discover that someone, who was just doing hi job as written, cared enough and made the effort to be that sensitive to someone else.

[@d.k.6361]

Just to update my comment above, which is full of typos for which I apologize, I saw an article tonight where a letter Johnny Depp had handwritten to Darlene Cates was auctioned off. It is a very sweet letter which starts with not her name in the greeting, but “Momma”. He tells her what a wonderful job she did in the film, how much he loves her and her family, and asks her to adopt him. He also calls her “doll”. He signed his usual signature, but also he wrote, “Gilbert”.

[@jagerbolt90]

I kind of interpreted Gilbert lifting the kid up to the window a different way. Felt more like he was trying to be all like "yeah, here ya go, you saw her, go away!" Though I could always be wrong. Thanks for the other point of view!

[@s0lid_sno0ks]

Absolutely kino

[@gergosukosd8299]

Fantastic review. One of the best movie i have ever seen in my life. A good old but gold , timeless masterpiece. It' almost perfect for me.

[@pleaserewind295]

Couldn't agree more!

[@alohaarianna]

it’s one of my favorite movies

[@JCResDoc94]

sure, but w/dragons, huh? yeah. or just dragons! that's story telling. but this was good.
wow. GoT really hurt me.

[@grimberlynies]

this is one of my favorite movies... I watched this with my mom when I was like 5-6 years old and I kept crying and asking my mom why are these bad things happening to these people mommy? .. thats I guess when I realized real real empathy

[@amandalee831]

Great movie! You did a good job on explaining the movie!!

[@andrewpowell1734]

Read the book. The book is darker than the movie.

[@jib4826]

Arney grape vs. Raymond Babbott

[@grimberlynies]

P.S: Love your channel.. have just subscribed.. keep it up ;)

[@pleaserewind295]

Welcome aboard!

[@krisweiner]

This movie is beautiful

[@lorrywilson7832]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE

[@mauriceortiz8817]

What's eating Gilbert Grape? Probably his mom

[@1toneboy]

Black Pilled destroyed that 'Cider house rules' film.

[@AutisticBrain]

@please rewind when do you normally release your videos? I've looked at the date your last video was uploaded and it says one month is that normal? please reply.

[@pleaserewind295]

I've been on a break the last few months.

[@AutisticBrain]

@@pleaserewind295 thanks i don't like subscribing "to dead channels."

[@Hank49716]

25:21 what video is he referring to?

[@Nominay]

Claire Danes as Temple Grandin about rivals Leo in Gilbert Grape.

[@AutisticBrain]

Great movie, its amazing

[@gocpng4699]

Caught Moments

[@dogfish9797]

Good review, brochismo

[@s0lid_sno0ks]

You may enjoy Ayn Rand's work. (the actual philosophy, not the straw man everyone erects of it)

[@MrGrim15]

Wrong about Juliette Lewis. Right about everything else . . . .

[@pleaserewind295]

I think my biggest issue is the haircut.

[@lovescoffee7189]

Her performance worked for me. She was a different sort of girl, in how she looked from her hair to her clothing, and I could understand his attraction to her from the fact she traveled with her grandmother, not stuck in a town as he was, and that she was emotionally very mature, understanding and grounded. She showed Gilbert another life. She was understanding of Arnie. She didn't judge and she taught him not to feel shame. She played Becky as a sympathetic gentle soul.

[@madelers]

@@lovescoffee7189 💯💯💯💯

[@Rugelacharugula]

Maybe time to retire the term "Reotardo," dude. Just a thought.

[@Kittyrave64]

Yeahh. Seemed unessecary

[@brandondriver99]

Why is that