What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Exploring Family, Identity, And

what’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Exploring Family, Identity, and Disability

People need to feel as though they have a choice in life in order to grow and develop as a person. Lasse Hallstrom in his film ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’ demonstrates through the protagonist, Gilbert Grape, the daunting feeling of being trapped and unable to move forward. Gilbert feels trapped by the responsibility for his family and by the town and people of Endora.

Furthermore, Gilbert’s strong conscience does not allow him to move on. It isn’t until he is able to let go of his resentment and feelings that he is able to move forward. Personal identity is much like the blueprint for mankind, like a house, it is built and shaped after its design. If not built properly, the house will eventually fall apart from how it was built or by the causes of nature. In the case of someone's identity, if built properly by an individual, it will last and stay strong; however, adversity acts like a force of human nature and can either take a positive rebuilding role on a person's identity or a negative destructive role.

In this film and from the excerpt in the novel of the same title, the director and author directly suggest personal identity as a key issue in the story. What's eating the good Gilbert is laid out for us like a feast. The title further suggests we consider not only what's eating Gilbert (the forces preying on him) but also what's eating at him—his ways of handling those forces. Living in Endora is like "dancing to no music." The tone of Gilbert's voice-over creates a feeling of nothingness, and the opening scene with a track back along the road suggests withdrawal.

If Endora itself is nothingness, what is life out in the sticks at the Grape house? Life at the Grape house is very depressing for everyone. Bonnie feels she has burdened her children, and Gilbert is forced to play the role of "dad." Arnie's retardation complicates family dynamics because he is hard to look after. All of this has a significant impact on Gilbert. Throughout the movie, characters undergo many changes impacting their responses to their lives and each other.

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"What’s Eating Gilbert Grape" is a profound exploration of familial responsibilities, personal identity, and the impact of disability within a small-town setting. The film masterfully examines how family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth intersect, illustrating the profound influence these elements have on individual destiny and self-perception.

Gilbert Grape, the protagonist, epitomizes the burden of familial obligation. From the beginning, Gilbert is portrayed as the "man of the house," undertaking roles that extend beyond his age due to his family’s circumstances. His mother, Bonnie, is obese and emotionally dependent, a victim of her husband's suicide, which leaves her with a lingering sense of grief and abandonment. Gilbert's relationship with her is strained yet vital, as she embodies the emotional weight that Gilberts' internalization of family trauma and societal expectations bears. Gilbert’s resentment toward his mother and the town manifests as a sense of entrapment, which the film depicts through the bleakness of Endora.

The film emphasizes how personal identity is molded in the context of family and community pressures. Gilbert suppresses his anger and frustration, adopting a caretaker role that suppresses his own desires. His interactions with his siblings further illustrate this. Amy, the eldest sister, assumes a caregiver role, acting as a surrogate mother, while Ellen, the youngest, is preoccupied with her appearance and undefined responsibilities. Arnie, who is mentally disabled, is both a source of familial pride and frustration. Gilbert's constant struggle to care for Arnie underscores the burden of responsibility and the difficulty of balancing love, duty, and personal aspiration.

Gilbert’s internal conflict is heightened by his desires for personal freedom and love, represented by his relationship with Becky. Becky’s appearance in Endora symbolizes hope and the possibility of escape from familial obligations. Her character embodies a spirit of spontaneity and optimism that contrasts sharply with the bleakness of Gilbert's life. The scene where Gilbert confesses to Becky about his feelings signifies a turning point, illustrating the first step toward reconciling personal identity with social roles.

Central to the narrative is the theme of change and the unpredictability of life. Gilbert's internal evolution is driven by his realization that personal growth requires letting go of guilt and resentment. His decision to burn down the family house symbolizes a symbolic release from past traumas and destructive memories, particularly the death of his father and the emotional weight of his mother's dependence. This act marks the transition from confinement to liberation, allowing Gilbert to envisage a future beyond the limitations imposed by his upbringing.

The film critically portrays disability through Arnie, offering a nuanced depiction that balances societal acceptance with individual dignity. Arnie’s independence, participation in community life, and emotional depth challenge stereotypes of disability. The community's reactions—respect, support, and occasional ridicule—highlight societal attitudes, prompting viewers to reflect on inclusion and accommodation. The film underscores that individuals with disabilities possess rich emotional lives, strengths, and vulnerabilities, emphasizing their integral role in the family and community fabric.

The character development throughout the film reveals how personal and family traumas shape identity. Gilbert’s journey illustrates that acknowledgment and acceptance of one’s past are essential for growth. His eventual acceptance of his mother and his decision to leave Endora demonstrate that true liberation involves confronting and integrating family histories, rather than denying or suppressing them.

Moreover, the metaphor of life's unpredictability is reinforced by the abrupt and tragic death of Mr. Carver, a pivotal event that exemplifies life's fragility. Gilbert’s decision to burn down the house signifies a conscious act of reclaiming agency over his life and identity. The motif of burning down the past symbolizes not only destruction but also renewal, suggesting that facing the painful truths of one’s history is necessary for personal growth.

From a social perspective, the film underscores the importance of community support and empathy in managing disability and mental health issues. The respectful portrayal of Arnie and other characters with disabilities encourages societal shift toward acceptance and resource allocation for inclusive living environments. The film advocates that individuals with disabilities should be integrated into society, participating actively rather than separately managed or institutionalized.

In conclusion, "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape" explores complex themes of family, personal identity, disability, and change. The film demonstrates that acknowledging past traumas, embracing responsibility, and fostering empathy are essential processes for personal growth. Gilbert’s journey from stagnation to self-awareness exemplifies the human capacity for resilience, highlighting that true freedom lies in confronting one’s realities and forging ahead with hope and acceptance.

References

• McCarthy, T. (1993). "What's Eating Gilbert Grape Review." Variety.
• Howe, D. (1994). "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape." Washington Post.
• Box Office Data. (1994). The Numbers. Retrieved from https://www.the-numbers.com
• Wilson, J., & Speed, F. M. (1994). Film Review 1994-5. Virgin Books.
• IMDb. (n.d.). What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com
• Rotten Tomatoes. (2008). What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Retrieved from https://www.rottentomatoes.com
• DiMaggio, P. (1997). "Portrayal of Disability in Film." American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.
• Oliver, M. (1996). Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice. Macmillan.
• Shakespeare, T. (2006). Disability Rights and Wrongs. Routledge.
• Ferguson, M. (2010). "Community Inclusion and Disability." Disability & Society.