The World According to Garp
1982 · Movie · R · 136 min · ★ 6.7 · 67% critics
A young writer tries to build a life and career while being pulled in different directions by a troubled marriage and the powerful influence of his mother. When her provocative feminist manifesto makes her a public figure, family tensions, unexpected friendships, and hard lessons about love and identity reshape his path.
Based on The World According to Garp
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Details
- Years
- 1982
- Release date
- 1982-07-23
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 136 min
- Critic score
- 67/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.7/10 (380 votes)
- Budget
- $17,000,000
About
If you enjoy character-driven dramas that mix dark humor with messy family dynamics and provocative social themes, this could land for you, especially if you liked Saltburn; Not for you if you want light, straightforward comedy.
Pros: standout ensemble acting; bold, offbeat story; funny and moving | Cons: uneven writing; overlong and overstuffed; tonal whiplash moments
Themes
- based on novel or book
- pregnancy
- wrestling
- wrestler
- childlessness
- paternity
- love
- writer
- typewriter
- reflective
- gay theme
- homosexuality
- +3 more
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1983 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1983 · nominated
Cast & crew
Robin Williams
as T.S. Garp
Mary Beth Hurt
as Helen Holm
Glenn Close
as Jenny Fields
John Lithgow
as Roberta Muldoon
Hume Cronyn
as Mr. Fields
Jessica Tandy
as Mrs. Fields
Swoosie Kurtz
as The Hooker
Brenda Currin
as Pooh
Peter Michael Goetz
as John Wolfe
Jenny Wright
as Cushie
Directed by George Roy Hill