What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 drama film directed by Lasse Hallström. The film follows Gilbert Grape, a young man in a small town in Iowa who is stuck in a dead-end job and caring for his severely obese mother and mentally disabled younger brother, Arnie. When a free-spirited woman named Becky arrives in town, Gilbert begins to question his life and his responsibilities.
Review:
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a beautifully crafted drama that explores the themes of family, responsibility, and love. The film features outstanding performances from its cast, including Johnny Depp as Gilbert, Leonardo DiCaprio as Arnie, and Juliette Lewis as Becky.
The film’s direction by Lasse Hallström is also noteworthy, with his sensitive and understated approach to storytelling allowing the film’s characters and themes to shine. The film’s cinematography and score are also outstanding, adding to the film’s emotional resonance.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a poignant and affecting drama that lingers long after the credits roll.
Awards:
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was nominated for one Academy Award:
- Best Supporting Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio)
Popularity and Success:
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was a critical success upon its release, garnering praise for its sensitive direction, strong performances, and emotional depth. The film was also a modest box office success, grossing over $10 million on a budget of $11 million.
Over the years, the film has gained a strong following among audiences and critics alike, with its honest and heartfelt portrayal of small-town life resonating with viewers. It remains a beloved and highly regarded film in the drama genre.
Directed by | Lasse Hallström |
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Produced by | Bertil Ohlsson David Matalon Meir Teper |
Screenplay by | Peter Hedges |
Based on | What’s Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges |
Starring | Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Steenburgen, John C. Reilly, Darlene Cates, |
Music by | Alan Parker Björn Isfält |
Cinematography | Sven Nykvist |
Edited by | Andrew Mondshein |
Production company |
Matalon Teper Ohlsson |
Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date | December 17, 1993 |
Running time | 118 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $11 million |
Box office | $10 million (US) |