The World According to Garp ★★★ 1982 (R) 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 lowkey and tender as the beleagured Garp. Ultimately pointless, perhaps, but effectively and intelligently so. 136m/C VHS, DVD, Wide. Robin Williams, Mary Beth Hurt, John Lithgow, Glenn Close, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Swoosie Kurtz, Amanda Plummer, Warren Berlinger, Brandon Maggart, George Roy Hill;
Director:
George Roy Hill;
Writer:
Steve Tesich;
Writer:
Miroslav Ondricek;
Cameo:
David Shire. L.A. Film Critics '82: Support. Actor (Lithgow), Support. Actress (Close); Natl. Bd. of Review '82: Support. Actress (Close); N.Y. Film Critics '82: Support. Actor (Lithgow).
