Analysis Of What's Eating Gilbert Grape

“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” is a heartwarming film that uniquely explores the struggles of children in unfortunate circumstances, offering a deeper explanation as to why so many young adults struggle to achieve a higher education, or to even graduate from high school. After the death of his father seven years prior, Gilbert became the sole provider for his dysfunctional family of five, leaving little time or energy for himself. This leads Gilbert to start hiding his emotions like his father did, which is what makes the situation so lethal, though Gilbert’s issues aren’t touched on in the least by his family. His mother has given up on life, his brother has a severe mental disability, and his two sisters do little to help the situation. An
Through most of the movie, Gilbert is selfless, yet harsh to those around him. He lashes out in small increments, perhaps to help him preserve his sanity. Towards the end of the movie, Gilbert apologizes to his family for being unkind to them. Gilbert gives an especially kind apology to his mother, who he’s held resentment towards since his father died. He promises, “I’m not gonna hurt you anymore, Mama.” This demonstrates that one cannot take care of others properly until one takes care of themselves. Once realizing this, Gilbert is able to take charge and be kinder to the people around him. This is proven when Gilbert’s mother dies. Gilbert takes time for himself to process his emotions by stepping away from the scene. He rushes to the basement of the house, which he hasn’t been in since his father’s body was found there, and processes his emotions similarly to how a two-year-old might. Gilbert kicks the posts supporting the poorly constructed house, punches the decaying walls, and throws whatever objects he can get his hands on. When he finishes his catharsis, Gilbert goes back upstairs and calmly makes the necessary plans he probably made once before for his father’s funeral. “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” is a movie far ahead of its time. It analyzes mental illness and responsibility from a previously uncharted territory. This is important because more often than not, minors who are left with responsibility like Gilbert’s struggle with feelings of isolation. In conclusion, this movie is powerful enough that it may give someone the courage to go through the change Gilbert