What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

RECOMMENDATION:

Bartek Pulcyn:

A cult film for the generation of today’s 40-year-olds, watched passionately and repeatedly on VHS tapes. A moving story of the titular thirty-year-old fighting an uneven battle against fate and family trauma; the sole caretaker of an extremely obese mother, a mentally disabled brother, and two sisters.

The film that launched a new superstar of cinema – Leonardo DiCaprio. Only his second significant film role (after This Boy’s Life) and already a first Academy Award nomination for the then nineteen-year-old actor. A performance so realistic that many viewers found it hard to believe that the actor playing the disabled Arnie was a completely healthy person.

A breakthrough film for Swedish director Lasse Hallström, a strong start to his Hollywood career, and a confirmation of the excellent form of the acting duo: Juliette Lewis and Johnny Depp.

DESCRIPTION:

Gilbert (Johnny Depp) lives in the small, sleepy town of Endora, caring for his mentally disabled brother (Leonardo DiCaprio), his morbidly obese mother, and two younger sisters. The whirlwind of daily challenges and responsibilities consumes him entirely. Only when he meets Becky (Juliette Lewis) does his life gain new momentum and open up to new perspectives.

GALLERY:

LET’S TALK ABOUT:

What particularly moved you about Gilbert’s story, and why?

Which character traits of the film’s characters do you particularly value: Gilbert, Arnie, Becky?

Which of their life decisions would be the hardest for you to make?

A sense of shame is very clearly present in the characters’ lives – how do you deal with this feeling?

Gilbert’s family situation is exceptionally difficult, yet they still experience a great deal of joy together – recall a few joyful events from your family’s life and tell us about them.

Gilbert’s life is full of hardship and sacrifice – in the name of which values (from the list below) would you be willing to make such sacrifices?

Gilbert falls in love with Becky, and she approaches all members of Gilbert’s family with great openness and acceptance – what do you think of such an attitude? Would you yourself be capable of it?

In defense of her son, the mother takes a desperate step – she goes into town herself, exposing herself to ridicule – how important is other people’s opinion to you?

In the name of what would you be willing to do something regardless of “what people will say”?

Gilbert and Becky very quickly establish a great, friendly connection – do you have experience of such a relationship, where “you understand each other without words”?

Despite his many responsibilities, Gilbert has the right – and even the duty – to fight for his own personal happiness – how do you pursue your own happiness?

What does this state – “happiness” – mean to you?

What do you desire in life?

List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Orderliness, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Faithfulness, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life