What's Eating Gilbert Grape: Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's Memorable Early 90s Indie Film

An Overview of What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Released in 1993, What's Eating Gilbert Grape is an American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström. It stars Johnny Depp as the main character, Gilbert Grape. The film also features strong performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, and Mary Steenburgen. What's Eating Gilbert Grape earned DiCaprio his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for playing Arnie Grape, Gilbert's younger brother who has a developmental disability.

The Story and Characters

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is set in the fictional small town of Endora, Iowa. Gilbert Grape is busy caring for Arnie, his younger brother with autism, and also working at a local grocery store run by the busybody Mrs. Carver. His two sisters, Amy and Ellen, help out around the house. The Grapes' morbidly obese mother Bonnie hasn't left the house in seven years after her husband killed himself. Gilbert feels trapped and dreams of leaving Endora, but doesn't want to abandon his family responsibilities.

Gilbert's mundane life changes when Becky and her grandmother Mrs. Carver's truck breaks down in Endora. Gilbert is intrigued by the free-spirited Becky, who is passing through town on her way to California. As they spend time together, she brings out Gilbert's sense of fun and gives him hope. Meanwhile, the Grape family faces a crisis when Bonnie's health starts rapidly declining.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Arnie Grape

Leonardo DiCaprio was just 19 years old when he played the role of Arnie Grape. To portray the character who has autism and a developmental disability, DiCaprio spent time before filming observing and interacting with special needs children. He did a tremendous job capturing the mannerisms and personality of someone with autism.

Arnie Grape has unique habits and quirks, like always holding onto a little toy flashlight and repetitive body movements. He struggles with speech and communication. DiCaprio showed Arnie's expressions of joy, like when he runs around shouting that he's "not stopping!" There are also moments of frustration, like when he gets upset after Gilbert won't let him climb the town water tower.

Though Arnie is 18 years old, he has a childlike innocence and finds joy in simple things. DiCaprio's sympathetic performance made Arnie a memorable, lovable character. The dynamic between Gilbert and Arnie was a highlight of the film. Their bond and unconditional love, despite the challenges of Arnie's disability, touched audiences.

Johnny Depp's Breakout Dramatic Performance

By 1993, Johnny Depp was famous for quirky roles in films like Edward Scissorhands and Benny & Joon. With What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Depp proved his ability as a versatile, serious dramatic actor. As Gilbert, he played a young man feeling trapped and hopeless about his mundane small town life. Taking care of his family weighs heavily on Gilbert, who feels like he can't pursue his own dreams.

Gilbert works hard to watch over unpredictable Arnie and look after their severely depressed, obese mother. Depp showed Gilbert's complex feelings through subtle facial expressions. His chemistry with DiCaprio made their brotherly bond believable and poignant. Gilbert clearly loves Arnie deeply but also feels frustrated and worried about being constrained.

When the spontaneous, free-spirited Becky arrives in town, Depp portrays Gilbert lighting up with newfound joy and optimism. Becky sees Gilbert's unhappiness and tries to get him to take charge of his life. Their unlikely connection and tension created an intriguing romantic subplot against the backdrop of Gilbert's family struggles.

Enduring Popularity and Legacy

Though What's Eating Gilbert Grape earned strong reviews when it premiered in 1993, the film has only grown in popularity over time. It is still considered one of Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's best performances from early in their careers. While they both went on to huge Hollywood success, their acting in this heartfelt indie film remains memorable.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape also had a big impact for autism representation and disability inclusion in mainstream film. Seeing a character with developmental disabilities portrayed sensitively helped change attitudes. Other family dramas like Exceptional Minds and Peanut Butter Falcon later followed its example. The iconic, lovable character of Arnie Grape made a lasting impression on pop culture.

Key Facts About What's Eating Gilbert Grape

• Directed by Lasse Hallström, released in 1993
• Based on the novel by Peter Hedges
• Starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis
• Set in the fictional small town of Endora, Iowa
• Follows Gilbert Grape caring for his brother Arnie who has autism and his morbidly obese mother
• DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Arnie
• Known for its sensitive treatment of disability
• Critically acclaimed performances by Depp and DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio's Dedication to Playing Arnie Grape

Leonardo DiCaprio demonstrated his impressive commitment to portraying the character of Arnie Grape accurately and sensitively. To prepare for the role, he spent time at a medical center observing those with special needs. DiCaprio got to know children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Seeing their mannerisms and behaviors up close helped DiCaprio develop how Arnie would move and interact with others. He worked hard to make sure his portrayal did not come across as mimicry. DiCaprio wanted audiences to understand Arnie's frustrations as well as his innocence.

DiCaprio also collaborated closely with Johnny Depp during filming. They improvised many of Arnie's outbursts and habits together. Depp gave DiCaprio feedback to make sure the character stayed believable. DiCaprio's background research and commitment to the role of Arnie Grape paid off with widespread critical praise.

Capturing Autism in the Performance

As a young actor, Leonardo DiCaprio shouldered a huge responsibility respectfully playing a character with autism. He captured many common traits of severe autism very accurately. Arnie Grape repeats certain phrases, like asking "am I stopping?" when he runs around in excitement. He also engages in repetitive movements, rocking back and forth or waving his hands.

DiCaprio realistically showed Arnie's speech impediment without relying on mimicry. Arnie has limited verbal skills and communicates his feelings through yelling or moaning in frustration. DiCaprio also depicted the tendency for sudden mood swings from happiness to anger common with autism. His full embrace of all aspects of Arnie's character avoided stereotypes.

Bringing Arnie's Likable Personality to Life

While authentically portraying Arnie's disabilities, DiCaprio also made him incredibly endearing. Arnie Grape has a childlike wonder and playfulness. The character immediately drew compassion from audiences. Fans were touched seeing his unconditional love for his brother Gilbert, despite their ups and downs.

Small moments like Arnie clutching his little flashlight everywhere he goes made the character feel real. DiCaprio expressed Arnie's joys, like dancing without inhibition or connecting with new people without judgement. These warm personality traits developed an unforgettable character beloved by fans.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape's Impact and Legacy

When it was released in 1993, What's Eating Gilbert Grape made a meaningful impact on audiences and critics. It proved that mainstream dramas could sensitively portray characters with disabilities. The film did not exploit Arnie's autism for sentimentality or let it fully define him. DiCaprio made him a nuanced, relatable person.

Gilbert Grape also left pop culture with some iconic, unforgettable scenes. Images like Arnie climbing the town water tower and Gilbert carrying him through the house stuck with viewers. The bittersweet ending left many in tears.

Most importantly, the film highlighted the importance of inclusion in Hollywood. After seeing DiCaprio's humane performance, other projects began featuring characters with developmental disabilities as well. What's Eating Gilbert Grape paved the way for more representation in film and television going forward.

A Memorable Character

Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Arnie Grape stands the test of time as one of his most memorable roles. Despite DiCaprio going on to star in huge blockbuster movies, fans still love looking back on his early performance in Gilbert Grape. The character resonated so strongly that Arnie became an iconic figure in film history.

Images of Arnie holding his flashlight or yelling as he runs down the street are unforgettable. Quotes like "I'm not stopping!" still invoke smiles from fans of the film. DiCaprio made Arnie incredibly endearing despite the challenges he faces. Audiences rooted for him and felt touched by his relationship with Gilbert.

Opening the Door for More Inclusive Films

Gilbert Grape proved that a mainstream drama could thoughtfully include a character with disabilities. Arnie Grape was not just a source of inspiration. He was a real, complex person confronting daily challenges. DiCaprio brought honesty and sincerity to the performance.

After the critical praise and popularity of What's Eating Gilbert Grape, other directors and writers felt empowered to create more inclusive stories. Now stories featuring characters with autism and developmental disabilities are more common across all genres. Though progress still needs to be made, Gilbert Grape was part of starting the conversation.

FAQs

Where is What's Eating Gilbert Grape set?

The film takes place in the fictional small town of Endora, Iowa.

Why did Leonardo DiCaprio win awards for What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

DiCaprio won several awards and nominations, including his first Oscar nomination, for his acclaimed portrayal of Arnie Grape, who has autism and a developmental disability.

What was unique about Leonardo DiCaprio’s preparation for the role?

DiCaprio spent time before filming observing and interacting with individuals with autism and special needs to accurately portray the character.

What inspires Gilbert Grape to make a change?

The arrival of the free-spirited Becky in Endora gives Gilbert newfound joy and optimism, inspiring him to take charge of his life.

How did What's Eating Gilbert Grape impact society?

The film proved mainstream dramas could sensitively portray characters with disabilities and paved the way for more inclusion in Hollywood.