Watch The World According to Garp

The World According to Garp is a 1982 film based on John Irving's novel of the same name. It stars Robin Williams as T.S. Garp, a writer who searches for meaning in a world that doesn't always make sense. The movie explores themes like family, sexuality, and death. The film opens with Garp's mother, Jenny Fields (Glenn Close), a nurse who has become disillusioned with the state of the world. After witnessing the horrors of war and other injustices, Jenny decides to become pregnant without a man's help. She gives birth to T.S. Garp, and the two of them move into a home for single mothers. Garp grows up surrounded by women, including his mother and a group of prostitutes who live nearby.

As a young man, Garp attends a prep school where he becomes friends with Roberta Muldoon (John Lithgow), a transgender former football player. Garp is also drawn to a young woman named Helen Holm (Mary Beth Hurt), and the two of them eventually marry and have children. However, their marriage is not without its challenges, as Helen becomes involved in a feminist movement that puts a strain on their relationship.

Throughout the movie, Garp struggles to find his place in the world. He becomes a successful writer, but he also begins to fear for his life after a group of fans begins to stalk him. He also becomes increasingly concerned about the safety of his children, who grow up in a world that seems to become more dangerous by the day. Despite these challenges, Garp continues to write and to look for meaning in his life.

The World According to Garp is an unconventional film that explores a variety of themes. It is both funny and touching, with many scenes that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Robin Williams is excellent in the lead role, deftly navigating the complex emotional landscape of the character. Glenn Close is also impressive as Jenny Fields, bringing a sense of both toughness and vulnerability to the role. Mary Beth Hurt is also excellent as Helen Holm, providing a strong counterpoint to Garp's often chaotic existence.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of sexuality and gender. Roberta Muldoon's transformation is a major plot point, but the movie is also notable for its portrayal of sexual liberation and experimentation. Garp's relationship with Helen is not always easy, and their struggles reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of the time.

Another strength of the film is its exploration of death and mortality. Jenny Fields' decision to give birth without a man's help is an early sign that the movie will grapple with these themes. As Garp grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the fragility of life. This is exemplified by the stalking incidents that threaten his safety, as well as the tragic events that befall some of the other characters.

Overall, The World According to Garp is a thought-provoking and moving film that explores a variety of issues with sensitivity and nuance. It is a character-driven story that is anchored by Robin Williams' exceptional performance. The movie is recommended for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas that explore complex themes like family, love, and mortality.

The World According to Garp is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 63.