What’s Eating Gilbert Grape Film Critique

Film Critique/ Analysis #10

Michael Atkinson

Cinema 28

A Slow Epic Journey

Lasse Hallstrom directs a classic film of epic proportions. This film is What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1994) - it is a slow-moving film about a week in the life of Gilbert Grape. His life doesn’t seem all that interesting from afar, but looking more closely at it, you will see the struggles he really deals with. His younger brother is a bit mentally challenged - a full diagnosis was never said - but he causes trouble in the small town by climbing the water tower frequently. Aside from taking care of his brother, he has the rest of his dysfunctional family to worry about. Namely, his five hundred pound mother which is the cause of much embarrassment, his older sister who is more a mother than a sister and his younger sister who is “too cool” to be engaged in any family affairs, for fear of embarrassment. But it is not only his home life on the fritz, Gilbert is enduring his job as they try and make end’s meat competing with a new high-end grocery store. He also deals with his one grocery delivery stop to a middle-aged stay at home mom whom he has an affair with, but at the same time, falling in love with one vacationer in the town.

One could say that there is not much plot in this classic film, but what makes it so classic is that it is essentially gripping and heart-wrenching at times. The film feels more like a stream of consciousness - just a piece of an excerpt from Gilbert’s menial life. But overall, his life isn’t menial when one truly looks below the surface. This is a boy with more courage, bravery, wit, and compassion than many will see in their lifetime. It’s not his actions that are memorable, but the way he handles everything - with dignity. One would think that the family may pity themselves for the sorry state their in, but no, there is none of that. Instead, the audience doesn’t feel the need to pity them for how much they actually embrace themselves. This technique used by Hallstrom eliminates the chance for this film to become a tragedy. It is actually nothing of the sort and won’t become one even with the ending. The film even goes so far as it succeeds in making a compelling main character. Johnny Depp portrays Gilbert in the most likable way, leaving the audience to be moved with compassion for him.

As the film concludes, the audience feels bittersweet. It is neither a time for weeping, nor a time for joy. The family stands watching their house burn along with their dead mother, and one cannot but feel moved and relieved for that was the most noble thing in the end.