Eating Gilbert Grape Gilbert Grapes

¶ … Eating Gilbert Grape

Gilbert Grapes lives with his mother, his two sisters, and his younger brother. His father killed himself eight years ago by hanging himself in the basement and since then, Gilbert has been unable to go downstairs. His unwillingness to enter the place in which his father died reflects Gilbert's overall avoidance of his feelings, his reluctance to confront the pain and anger that have plagued him and his family for years.

Gilbert acts as a surrogate father for his family, just as his older sister Aimee acts more like a mother than Mrs. Grape. For example, Gilbert takes care of his younger brother Arnie, who has an unnamed brain disorder/mental disability and who requires constant supervision. His devotion to his family and his overt kindness toward his house-bound mother belie deep-rooted anger and frustration. For example, although he treats his mother with respect, he still allows neighborhood children to peek at her through the window as if she were a freak show attraction.

Gilbert is an attractive young man with long, chin-length brown hair. He works at a local independent grocer whose small business is being threatened by a large chain supermarket. Gilbert dresses casually and in his spare time he hangs out with a few of his friends at a local diner.

He has been having a long-term affair with a married woman, Betty Carver. Gilbert's relationship with Betty Carver reveals a longing for connection with a mother figure. His interest in Betty Carver wanes when he meets a girl his own age, and also when Gilbert worries that Mr. Carver suspects their affair. When he splits up with Betty, Gilbert clearly expresses his ambivalence toward her.

Through his relationship with Becky, Gilbert finally learns how to cultivate a truly intimate relationship. In fact, Gilbert is a new man by the end of the film. His introducing Betty to his mother shows that Gilbert discovered a newfound respect for himself and for his family.

Gilbert's younger brother Arnie is about to turn eighteen, a surprise considering that doctors predicted he wouldn't live past the age of ten. Arnie is small in stature and has blonde hair. His face and hands are usually dirty, and he relies on his brother to bathe him because he is afraid of water. Although Arnie's character changes little throughout the film, Becky makes an impact on him, too, by encouraging him to swim. Arnie's main source of entertainment is a game he likes to play called "Where's Arnie?" He climbs a tree and waits for Gilbert or Aimee to shout out "Where's Arnie?" pretending to be hiding. Arnie also takes pride in his ability to climb to the top of the local water tower, much to the chagrin of the local police and fire departments. His habit suggests that he likes to sit above it all and escape the harsh cruelty of the world. Because of his mental disorder, Arnie can get away with many social faux pas that others couldn't. For example, he makes fun of his father's death.

Mr. Grape's death left an indelible mark on his widow. Mama, who Gilbert claims was once "the prettiest girl in these parts," has become morbidly obese. Mrs. Grape won't leave the house and although she clearly loves her children, she has been debilitated since her husband's death. Her compulsive eating habits reflect her desire to stuff her pain deep inside, to smother her anger and fear with food. In fact, Mrs. Grape's overeating is mirrored in the way she treats Arnie: twice in the movie she bear hugs him, squeezing as if she could smother him. When Arnie is taken into police custody, she leaves the house for the first time in eight years. Her willingness to leave the house proves her love for her son and also enables her to experience an emotional catharsis, during which she screams in anger, "I want my son!"

Becky is the catalyst of the movie. Her free-spirited lifestyle and personality help heal Gilbert's sullenness and help Arnie to overcome his fear of water. Moreover, Becky's impact on Gilbert extends to his relationship with his mother. Whereas Gilbert once held little kids up to his living room window so that they could gawk at Mama, at the end of the film Gilbert proudly introduces Becky to Mama. Becky is enthralled by sunsets and her outlook on life is open-minded and whimsical. Her and her mother's vagabond traveling lifestyle reflects their attitude toward life.

Betty Carver's affair with Gilbert covers up her deep dissatisfaction with her marriage and with her life. She ignores her children, who scream and act belligerently. Betty, who is probably in her early 40s, becomes highly dependent on Gilbert for emotional sustenance. When it appears Gilbert may be losing interest in the affair, Betty throws an emotional tantrum out of desperation. She tries to remain in control of her relationship with Gilbert by asking for a grocery "delivery" whenever she wants attention. She also displays a need for control by her desperate pleading with Gilbert to not leave her. However, Betty is desperate for the type of love and intimacy that Gilbert is incapable of giving her.