Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Arnie Grape in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) was so convincing that at the film’s premiere, many were stunned to learn he wasn’t actually mentally disabled.

Does anyone else think DiCaprio’s Arnie performance still holds up as one of the most immersive in film history?

100% great, but Still doesn't over shadow this

He should have won the Oscar that year

I get that reaction when people meet me outside of Twitter

He went full retard

and people are saying One Battle After Another is the best performance of his career. Please.

He didn't go full retard 👍

He IS mentally disabled. But he’s been acting like he is not all these years. That’s how good of an actor he is.

One of the greatest Oscar scandals of all time that he didn't win for this. I watched the film for the first time thinking it was an amazing performance from he mentally disabled young actor.

I don't think he ever surpassed what he did in that film.

this scene fucking broke me

how would a real mentally disabled kid be able to act in a movie

So many heartbreakingly good performances in that film. 😮‍💨 maybe I’ll hurt myself and watch again

Apparently they never watched Growing Pains.

That was a one time watch for me. That movie broke my heart.

He's my favorite retard. I hope there's a part two one day.

He plays a young man with exquisite needs with a lot of respect . Reminds me a lot & I mean a lot of my boy . Absolutely amazing movie , if you haven’t seen it highly highly recommend . Phenomenal!

He is, though. He just hid it well for years.

@ecojarvis I was among those that thought he had some sort of disability. Incredible acting, and a great movie

THIS guy should have at least 3-4 Oscars but 4 some reason-perhaps the same preventing Scorsese from receiving a few himself-they always find a way 2 overlook him!😠His personal life is NOT relevant 2 his acting skills/level! They gave Oscars to amateurish nobodies quite often!😒

Should have won an Oscar for this role

This a top 5 Leo performance and I feel like most people don’t even know it exists.

How I act when I don’t want to be questioned about ordering off the kids menu…

Yeah probably deserved but I think Tommy Lee Jones was also very good in the Fugitive.

Phenomenal movie back in the day

Yep I was one of them. I understand why the Academy went for Tommy Lee Jones that year, he was great in The Fugitive and had ‘earned’ it for his stellar career, but this is next level from DiCaprio It’s (by far) the best performance of his career and should have won the Oscar.

It may be the best performance I’ve ever seen in any movie ever.

@dalek551

I’ve actually seen this movie twice. The plot and characters were just sooo well written and executed.

Who the fuck was going to premieres back then but didn’t already know who Leo was?

I have coworkers that would have nailed that role too

What do you mean Leo isn't really retarded?