What's Eating Gilbert Grape

What's Eating Gilbert Grape poster

What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Directed by	Lasse Hallström
Written by	Peter Hedges
Based on	What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges
Produced by	Bertil Ohlsson
Starring	Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Darlene Cates
Cinematography	Sven Nykvist
Edited by	Andrew Mondshein
Music by	Alan Parker
Production company	Paramount Pictures
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures
Release date	December 17, 1993
Running time	118 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, and Darlene Cates. The film is based on the novel What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges.

Plot

The film follows Gilbert Grape, a young man stuck in a small town taking care of his morbidly obese mother and his mentally impaired younger brother, Arnie. Gilbert's life takes a turn when he meets Becky, a young woman passing through town, leading him to question his responsibilities and desires.

Cast

• Johnny Depp as Gilbert Grape
• Leonardo DiCaprio as Arnie Grape
• Juliette Lewis as Becky
• Mary Steenburgen as Betty Carver
• Darlene Cates as Bonnie Grape

Production

What's Eating Gilbert Grape was produced by Bertil Ohlsson and features music by Alan Parker. The film's cinematography was done by Sven Nykvist and edited by Andrew Mondshein. It was released by Paramount Pictures on December 17, 1993.

Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly that of Leonardo DiCaprio, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Arnie Grape. The movie's sensitive portrayal of family dynamics and small-town life resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Legacy

What's Eating Gilbert Grape has since become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the standout performances in Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's careers.