Life is what you make of it

In "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" Director Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat) brings to life the remarkable novel by Peter Hedges (About a Boy). Although there are many little plotlines to this movie, it shows the life of a young man and the struggles of his everyday life in a rundown town as he cares for his family and tries to find himself.\nGilbert Grape lives in small town of Endora, which, as he puts it, "describing Endora is like dancing to no music. It's a town where nothing much ever happens, nothing much ever will." Gilbert, the man of the house since his father passed away, takes care of his obese mother (Darlene Cates), older sister and younger brother and sister, though he spends most of his time caring for his autistic brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio). When he's not caring for his brother, Gilbert works at the local Grocery store, where he is often seen making deliveries to Mrs. Betty Carver (Mary Steenburgen) with whom he is having an affair. \nJust when Gilbert thinks his life will never get any better, he notices a new face in town. Gilbert meets Becky (Natural Born Killers' Juliette Lewis), who was just passing through town with her grandmother until their trailer breaks down. Gilbert finds peace in the time he spends with Becky. She makes Gilbert feel special and makes him think about what he wants in life, since he is always busy thinking about his family.\nThe movie, which is a little slow paced, will keep your attention and capture your heart. The thing I like best is that all the while Gilbert is trying to care and please everybody else, he is not portrayed as a hero. He is a character who has his own flaws and problems that he is also dealing with. \nThe performances in this movie were unbelievable, especially Depp, delivering a signature performance as Gilbert. I cannot even begin to describe DiCaprio's performance. The way he plays Arnie is absolutely remarkable, as you begin to think he really is autistic. I personally think Leo should have gotten an Academy Award for this performance. The supporting cast of Lewis, Cates, Steenburgen, as well as John C. Reilly and Crispin Glover is fantastic. The movie could not have been cast any better. \nThis special collector's edition DVD comes with special features such as commentaries with the director and writer, an inside look at the characters, and interesting interviews with the cast. \nIf you have yet to see this movie, I strongly urge you to see it. A drama that has a bit of romance and comedy, this movie is filmed in a way that makes you look at life in a different way. It will leave you feeling grateful for everything you have ever taken for granted and will leave you overwhelmed with emotion that will touch your heart.