The World According to Garp
The World According to Garp

The World According to Garp

1982
Movie
136 min
English

A struggling young writer finds his life and work dominated by his unfaithful wife and his radical feminist mother, whose best-selling manifesto turns her into a cultural icon.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users82%
Director: George Roy HillGenres: Comedy-drama, Satire

Plot Summary

Based on John Irving's novel, the film follows the eccentric life of T.S. Garp, from his unusual conception and birth to his adult experiences as a wrestler and writer. Garp's life is profoundly shaped by his mother, Jenny Fields, a feminist pioneer whose writings and beliefs influence his own worldview and attract a diverse following, including the tragic Ellen Jamesians.

Critical Reception

The World According to Garp received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious narrative, dark humor, and strong performances, particularly from Robin Williams and Glenn Close. While some found the film's tonal shifts challenging, many lauded its unique exploration of themes like feminism, unconventional family, and the search for meaning.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious and often darkly humorous adaptation of a complex novel.
  • Robin Williams and Glenn Close deliver standout performances that anchor the film's emotional weight.
  • The film's unique blend of satire, drama, and social commentary was noted, though some found its transitions jarring.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's unique story, the performances of its lead actors, and its thought-provoking themes. Some viewers found the narrative unconventional and occasionally unsettling, but the overall sentiment was positive, highlighting its memorable characters and distinctive perspective.

Awards & Accolades

Glenn Close received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Jenny Fields. The film also garnered other nominations and critical recognition.

Fun Fact

Glenn Close's feature film debut was in 'The World According to Garp,' where she played Jenny Fields. She reprised her role from the stage production of the same name.

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