What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Leonardo DiCaprio and John C. Reilly. It follows a grocery store clerk living with his dysfunctional family, including his obese mother, his mentally disabled younger brother and two sisters in the fictional rural town of Endora, Iowa.
Peter Hedges wrote the screenplay, based on his 1991 novel. Filming took place from November 1992 to January 1993 in various parts of Texas.
The film was well received, with Depp's and DiCaprio's performances garnering critical acclaim. At age 19, DiCaprio received his first nominations for the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
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Plot
In the small town of Endora, Iowa, Gilbert Grape is busy caring for Arnie, his mentally disabled younger brother who is about to turn 18. They are watching tourists' trailers pass through town during an annual Airstreamers' Club gathering near the town.
