Starring a young Johnny Depp and young Leo l'm embarrassed to say I only recently sat down to give What's Eating Gilbert Grape a watch. Although it is a critically acclaimed film, it never really caught my eye. I guess taking place in Endora, Iowa, a town that "seemingly nothing ever happens in" wasn't really catchy enough for me. But I could not have been more wrong and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good drama.
Maybe it's because I felt like I was stuck in a glass case of emotion watching this all by my lonesome in a cabin in the back woods of Vermont (be sketchier bro) but this sentimental story had me tearing up by the end. It did have some feel good moments as well though and I have to say I thought Leo's character was just a delight! The mentally handicapped character was definitely dealt a shitty hand in life but was always smiling and looking to have fun. Which begs the question, how is this role not mentioned as Leo's best performance more often? He went pretty damn close to full retard but pulled it off in classic Leo fashion.
Can't overlook Depp's performance either. He plays Gilbert Grape: a young man who, after his fathers suicide, is left providing for his family while also looking after his mentally handicapped brother and obese mother who hadn't left the couch in 17 years (talk about living the moviesandfood lifestyle!). In a sleepy town that no one ever visits and no one ever leaves, this film follows the daily grind of Gilbert Grape. This movie probably isn't for everyone, but if you don't mind a more subtle hero and sentimental story every once in a while I highly recommend this film.
▪️M&F 8.1
GDONUT
Maybe it's because I felt like I was stuck in a glass case of emotion watching this all by my lonesome in a cabin in the back woods of Vermont (be sketchier bro) but this sentimental story had me tearing up by the end. It did have some feel good moments as well though and I have to say I thought Leo's character was just a delight! The mentally handicapped character was definitely dealt a shitty hand in life but was always smiling and looking to have fun. Which begs the question, how is this role not mentioned as Leo's best performance more often? He went pretty damn close to full retard but pulled it off in classic Leo fashion.
Can't overlook Depp's performance either. He plays Gilbert Grape: a young man who, after his fathers suicide, is left providing for his family while also looking after his mentally handicapped brother and obese mother who hadn't left the couch in 17 years (talk about living the moviesandfood lifestyle!). In a sleepy town that no one ever visits and no one ever leaves, this film follows the daily grind of Gilbert Grape. This movie probably isn't for everyone, but if you don't mind a more subtle hero and sentimental story every once in a while I highly recommend this film.
▪️M&F 8.1
GDONUT