Read, Watch, Critique- What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Film: What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Date of Release: 1993

Possible Characteristics of a Person with Autism

Portrayal of Arnie Grape

seem not to care or notice when they are alone or in the company of others repetitive actions like hand flapping, rocking, humming self injurious behaviour (head banging, biting, hitting) often exhibited during times of frustration problems with communication- a complete lack of speech is not uncommon -some individuals repeat what they hear others say, known as echolalia keen ability in a specific area, like building spectacular model trains to completing impossible seeming puzzles in no time at all. “normal” in physical appearance limited, select food preferences most comfortable following a structured, predictable routine fixation on specific topics, subjects lack of imaginative, typical play

highly social with family members and people in the community enjoys the attention from a crowd of people overly comfortable approaching unfamiliar people with inappropriately personal conversation (ie telling a virtual stranger that he could “...go (die) at any time.”) self injurious behaviour- pulls at hair, hits head with fists when upset communication is verbally quite strong repetitive phrases (“We're not going anywhere. We're not going anywhere”) physically fit, healthy seeming sensory needs- touches objects just to feel them (ie the hood of a car) -comforted by physical affection follows daily routine structured by his family behaves at a much younger level than your typical eighteen year old

 

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a touching story about the struggles of a dysfunctional family, including a brother Arnie, who seemingly has autism. A loving and joyful character, Arnie is portrayed honestly and accurately, especially in scenes with high emotion. For instance, when Arnie is upset, he is self injurious, pulling at his hair and hitting himself in the head as a means to cope with what is going on. It is unfortunately not uncommon for people with autism to exhibit self injurious behaviour in times of crisis, frustration, or stimulation. One trait of Arnie's that I found less common of people with autism was his love of drawing a crowd for attention from people in the community. I would recommend this movie to everyone in our program, because of it accurately depicts an individual with autism in a moving and candid way.