Robin Williams is Garp. He’s got a funny way of looking at life.|Aug. 13, 1982|United States|136 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: “The World According to Garp,” released in 1982, is a film that explores the life of T.S. Garp, the illegitimate son of feminist nurse Jenny Fields. During World War II, Jenny conceives Garp after an encounter with a brain-damaged soldier known only as Technical Sergeant Garp. She raises him alone, focusing on her career and avoiding traditional relationships.
As Garp grows up, he develops a passion for wrestling and writing, interests that diverge from his mother’s feminist ideals. His writing attracts the attention of Helen Holm, the daughter of his wrestling coach. Despite her initial wariness, they eventually marry and have two children, Duncan and Walt. Garp becomes a devoted father and a successful author, while Helen pursues a career as a college professor.
Jenny, meanwhile, writes a groundbreaking book titled “Sexual Suspect,” which becomes a sensation and establishes her as a feminist icon. She uses her earnings to create a sanctuary for abused women. Garp often visits his mother and the residents of her center, including Roberta Muldoon, a transgender former football player.
The story takes a darker turn when Garp learns about Ellen James, a young girl who was raped and had her tongue cut out by her attackers. A group of women, known as the “Ellen Jamesians,” have mutilated themselves in solidarity with Ellen. Garp is appalled by this practice, especially when he discovers that Ellen herself has pleaded with them to stop, but they refuse.
“The World According to Garp” is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the complexities of human relationships.
Cast director: George Roy Hill
Cast actor: Robin Williams, Mary Beth Hurt, Glenn Close, John Lithgow, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Swoosie Kurtz, Brenda Currin, Peter Michael Goetz, Jenny Wright
Original name: The World According to Garp