Johnny Depp Admits He Found Beloved Classic “Really Miserable” to Film

Johnny Depp has revealed that working on the 1993 classic What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was a much harder experience than fans might expect.

Speaking years ago at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Depp described his time making the film as a dark and challenging period.

“It was a hard time for me, that film, for some reason. I don’t know why. It was one of those moments that you have that one, especially an actor, shouldn’t have often,” he said.

In the movie, Depp played Gilbert Grape, a 25-year-old grocery clerk living in the small town of Endora, Iowa. He cares for his morbidly obese mother and his younger brother Arnie, played by a young Leonardo DiCaprio, who is mentally disabled.

Despite the difficult experience, Depp acknowledged that working with DiCaprio left a lasting impression. “I’d say the absolute truth is that I respect Leo a lot. He worked really hard on that film and spent a lot of time researching. He came to set, and he was ready to work hard, and all his ducks were in a row,” Depp said.

Depp admitted that he even gave DiCaprio a hard time on set. “I tortured him. I really did. He was always talking about these video games, you know? I told you it was kind of a dark period. I was like, ‘No, I will not give you a drag of my cigarette while you hide from your mother again, Leo.’”

Yet, despite the struggles, Depp appreciated the young actor’s dedication, noting that DiCaprio’s energy may have helped him push through the difficult time.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, directed by Lasse Hallström and based on Peter Hedges’ 1991 novel, was filmed in Texas between November 1992 and January 1993.

The story follows Gilbert as he manages the responsibilities of caring for his family while navigating his own life. The cast included Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, and John C. Reilly, with Depp and DiCaprio receiving particular praise for their performances.

While the film underperformed at the box office, earning just over $10 million domestically, it received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 90% approval rating. Critics praised DiCaprio’s performance, often calling it the standout of the film.

Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote, “The film’s real show-stopping turn comes from Mr. DiCaprio, who makes Arnie’s many tics so startling and vivid that at first he is difficult to watch… The performance has a sharp, desperate intensity from beginning to end.” Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times called it “one of the most enchanting films of the year” and said DiCaprio deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, which he received.

Other reviews highlighted Depp’s work as well. Todd McCarthy of Variety noted that “Depp manages to command center screen with a greatly affable, appealing characterization,” while Film Review called DiCaprio’s portrayal “a performance of astonishing innocence and spontaneity, bringing touching credibility to a very difficult part.”

Despite the film’s modest box office, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape has become a beloved classic, remembered for its emotional depth and powerful performances. Depp’s candid comments show that even when working on a great film, the experience behind the scenes can be far from easy.

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