Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) by Legitsalt — 09 Apr 2018

I only recently watched this film, but I can already tell that I will be returning soon. This movie is stunning in many aspects, and it creates a world that is anything but unbelievable. I truly felt engaged and enthralled throughout the entirety of the film.

All of the characters felt tangible and real and the intertwined sub-plots were handled expertly. Personally, I found an abundance of symbolism present, especially those of biblical orientation. After the film was over, I felt like I had just come out from a tunnel, only then seeing the light, and putting together what I had seen.

Leonardo DiCaprio gives an especially believable performance, had I not known prior, I would have truly believed his disability's presence. Johnny Depp was a very interesting character, and the movie worked as quite the character study of Gilbert Grape.

The score and cinematography of the film as a whole were thoroughly engaging, especially when it came to the penultimate scene, of the house burning, which was especially powerful. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a compelling if a sometimes slow narrative.