This is a quiet, subtle movie that drives its point home without any bells and whistles but very effectively. I especially thought the scenes between Izzy and Peter were moving and well-acted. Even though the film deals with a tough subject, it never felt forced or shoved down my throat or overacted. The film has a very simple structure which allows the complexities of the issue and the emotions to expand and fill up the space. It's too bad this didn't get a theatrical release, although I could see why it was overlooked, because it is so quiet and subtle. That, I think, is its strength but of course a studio exec wants explosions. This movie does fine without them. Robin Tunney and Joel Edgerton's performances are wonderful.
Reviews
2 Reviews
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
(1993)
Great Ensemble Film
31 July 2007
Rewatching this film recently I'm reminded of how great Johnny Depp was even in his earlier days. His performance in this movie is understated and moving. Although Depp's character is the "lead", he's surrounded by a fantastic ensemble cast, including Leo DiCaprio in an Oscar-nominated performance. (Another actor who was great even way-back-when. It's ironic how Depp's career went from indie to blockbuster, and DiCaprio's has gone from blockbuster to less mainstream - both with fantastic results.) The quirky characters, the small-town setting - it all comes together to create an enjoyable film. It's too bad Lasse Hallstrom has veered off this track in his later movies. I'd love to see him return to more original and quirky material such as this.
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