Anybody watch "Gilbert Grape" movie

bigguy

Member
Sep 28, 2002
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vancouver, b.c., canada
this evening on Bravo? I'll commence by confessing I have had no appetite whatsoever for the acting abilities of both male leads. Johnny Depp and Leonard DiCapprio have constantly left me unimpressed.

Then along comes this movie. It and they never ceased to "ring my gongs" from start to finish. Themovie's vintage is probably a decade ago, and my gongs were absolutely NOT rung in a positive fashion. That is, with positive emotions, as I was constantly "disturbed" and rivetted with how unsettling the movie made me feel as the story line kept unfolding. I was disturbed on so many different levels, that the movie has caused much deep reflection on my own part. I'll be thinking of this sucker for a few days to come, I expect.

I'd be interested if any PERBerts watched the movie and how (and IF) it affected them? Anyway, my belated hats off to both of these cowboys. I often lament at the mindless drivel of most of Hollywood's product and of the even lamer "made for television" low budget movies usually programmed. I oftentimes just turn off the TV in disgust after channel hopping for something to get my interest. And along comes THIS and with two (in my book) "turkey" actors. That certainly changed tonight and I am STILL unsettled as I post this less than 45 minutes after the finish.

bigguy
 

American Male

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bigguy said:
this evening on Bravo? I'll commence by confessing I have had no appetite whatsoever for the acting abilities of both male leads. Johnny Depp and Leonard DiCapprio have constantly left me unimpressed.

Then along comes this movie. It and they never ceased to "ring my gongs" from start to finish. Themovie's vintage is probably a decade ago, and my gongs were absolutely NOT rung in a positive fashion. That is, with positive emotions, as I was constantly "disturbed" and rivetted with how unsettling the movie made me feel as the story line kept unfolding. I was disturbed on so many different levels, that the movie has caused much deep reflection on my own part. I'll be thinking of this sucker for a few days to come, I expect.

I'd be interested if any PERBerts watched the movie and how (and IF) it affected them? Anyway, my belated hats off to both of these cowboys. I often lament at the mindless drivel of most of Hollywood's product and of the even lamer "made for television" low budget movies usually programmed. I oftentimes just turn off the TV in disgust after channel hopping for something to get my interest. And along comes THIS and with two (in my book) "turkey" actors. That certainly changed tonight and I am STILL unsettled as I post this less than 45 minutes after the finish.

bigguy


I love this movie. My assessment of Dicapprio agrees with yours, but I guess I am a bigger fan of Depp than you are. I think he is genuinely a very talented actor who occasionlly picks wrong roles.

I guess I see your point that W.E.G.G. is sort of disturbing in some ways, I have always felt this constant undercurrent of hopefulness throughout. Gilbert never gives in, never runs away from his responsibilities (and God knows, if any deserved to run away from his shitty life and imposed duties, it was Gilbert). But he finds ways to cope. He finds some sort of joy in caring for Arnie, he supports his crazy family, copes with his mother's self-indulgence and enjoys the timeless pleasures of his friendly, neighborhood cougar! And then their is Juliette Lewis, his travelling GFE.

If Gilbert Grape can find ways to cope, enjoy life, deal with his crap and do so with a fairly positive attitude, then I should be able to as well. That is the message I take from What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
 

bigguy

Member
Sep 28, 2002
549
2
18
vancouver, b.c., canada
Yo Dessert

As the movie portrayed a family that reeked of dysfunction, that is not a pleasant subject. But, it was absolutely necessary for the plot. DiCapprio's acting as a "handicapped" teenager was superlative AND DISTURBING at the same time. Deep's constant holding the family together portrayed a quiet strength but finally he "weakened" and wacked his younger brother and even toyed with the idea of "getting on with his own life." Their younger sister's struggle with adolescence and eventual slight embarrassment of the family's (here's where I'm having my soul searching) tragic or pathetic mother. The moving of the table at meal times TO the mother didn't exactly make me feel happy and jolly nor entertained. But that simple act had a major impact.

Shit, I don't even want to go any further at this moment. I know I asked for comments and my responding to your questions has triggered I don't know what!!

I certainly understand that to be entertained doesn't mean that you can always escape being disturbed. It comes with the package sometimes. Just rarely as impacting as this movie left me.

I think I need a port to settle me down!!

bigguy
 

Kev

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May 13, 2002
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Whats Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993)

I thought 'WEGG' was excellant movie. I saw it when it first hit TV about 10 years ago..

Leonardo received an Acadamy nominee for his work. He did an excellant job.

Johnny Depp is an awesome actor. Can we say 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. If you haven't seen this bigguy its a must see just so you can watch JD do his work.

What i remember about the movie was if i had to pick a best friend it would be Gilbert. The responsibility that was put upon was overwhelming yet he dealt with it.

I can't remember if he gets the girl in the end.......Juliette Lewis. Whatever her character name was. I guess i should have watched tonight as well.
 
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