The World According to Garp Movie Review 1982

Comedy turns to tragedy in this relatively faithful version of John Irving's popular (and highly symbolic) novel, adapted by Steve Tesich. Chronicles the life of T.S. Garp, a struggling everyman beset by the destructive forces of modern society. Nevertheless, Garp maintains his optimism even as his life unravels around him. At the core of the film is a subplot involving a group of extreme feminists inspired in part by Garp's mother, the author of "A Sexual Suspect." Close and Lithgow (as a giant transsexual) are spectacular, while Williams is low-key and tender as the beleagured Garp. Ultimately pointless, perhaps, but effectively and intelligently so.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 136 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Comedy Drama, Gender Bending, War Between the Sexes, Tragedy, Wrestling, Books to Film: John Irving, Writers

Screenplay

Steve Tesich

Cast

Robin Williams, Mary Beth Hurt, John Lithgow, Glenn Close, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Swoosie Kurtz, Amanda Plummer, Warren Berlinger, Brandon Maggart, George Roy Hill

Cinematography

Miroslav Ondricek

Director

George Roy Hill

Music

David Shire

Other

Ronald Roose, Stephen A. Rotter

Awards

L.A. Film Critics 1982: Support. Actor (Lithgow), Support. Actress (Close); Natl. Bd. of Review 1982: Support. Actress (Close); N.Y. Film Critics 1982: Support. Actor (Lithgow).