Many others have commented on the John Irving novel that this film is supposed to be based upon. I haven't read the book, but how true this movie is to the source doesn't matter in critiquing the film itself. "The World According to Garp" is a hodgepodge of events in the life of the main character, Garp, played by Robin Williams. Others saw some good performances in the film, but it's hard to pin down characters with this script, the directing and film editing. The film bounces all over the place with little cohesion. An example is in Garp's character who gets emotional over his mom's death (Jenny Fields played by Glenn Close). But earlier, when his youngest son Walter is killed in a car accident in which everyone else is hurt, the film skips right over it. There's one reference to Walter's being gone between Garp and his wife, Helen, played by Mary Beth Hurt. But no signs of emotion from either one. That's where there should have been a real outpouring of grief by both parents. Anyone who knows anything about life realizes that children are not supposed to die before their parents. So, it's hard for this viewer to believe the sincerity of emotion Williams shows at times. The notion of the actor trying to portray a feeling seems to hang over those scenes. Others noted that Close's character seems aloof much of the time. She often seems to have something else on her mind. She's matter-of-fact in everything she does. So, there's no warmth or life to her character. John Lithgow as the trans-gender Roberta probably gives the best performance, but it's not exceptional. The rest of the characters are fair in their roles. At one point in the film, the Clue board game came to mind. There were so many different mishaps and tragedies happening, it seemed like a catalog for a board game. It has rape (female of a male no less), murder, sex, car death, attempted suicide, male and female nudity, shootings, adultery, sex change, self-mutilation, prostitution, solicitation (by a mother for her son yet), an airplane crash, road rage, and several near accidents. All this in a film that is supposed to be first, a comedy. I'm surprised that there wasn't an abortion, to go along with the rest of the "humor." Others have noted the incoherence of this film. I suspect that the number of things that qualify this as an R-rated film would turn many viewers away. I can laugh at good film efforts to poke fun at serious subjects. But this isn't a good effort, and it can't be considered a spoof with all its aberrations. For instance, two shooting instances to kill people are hardly good fodder for laughs. And, what do they spoof? The best that can be said about "The World According to Garp" is that it has some nice camera shots of New England coastal scenes.

In 1944, Jenny Fields (Glenn Close) surprises her wealthy parents with a baby. She had sex with a soldier on his death bed. All she wanted from him was a baby. She takes a job as a nurse in an all-boys boarding school. Garp (Robin Williams) takes up wrestling and falls for Helen Holm. He wants to be a writer and they move to NYC. Her semi-autobiographical book Sexual Suspect is an overnight success and she uses the money to open the family home for abused women and transsexuals like Roberta Muldoon (John Lithgow). Garp and Helen get married and have kids but they struggle.Robin Williams shows his dramatic acting chops. Glenn Close brings life to her crazy character. John Lithgow cross-dresses with an air of normalcy. It's a lot wacky random incidences. It's not surreal enough to be surreal. Three assassination attempts may be two too many. The movie feels fake but memorable nevertheless.

This movie is very underrated. It is one of the best Robin Williams movies and it belongs in the top ten comedies list. Very funny from first minute to the end. Trust me and watch this movie because you will not be disappointed. It is also a life lesson with examples of jealousy, personal strength, and self worth, and I am not even talking about the feminist ideas that are present in the movie. This movie is hilarious!!some lines from the movie.what is gradual school? Well, gradual school is where kids go and then gradually realize that they don't want to go to school anymore..describing a woman who wrote a book about lust but she has never felt lust or partnership (love) :line: Its like listening to a plant describing the motives of a mammal.

Never read the book but watched this movie in the '80-s in a cinema. This was one of the movies in those days everyone went to see. Great characters and a wonderful storyline. This is one of the pictures only Americans can make (like Big Fish): a sort of modern fairytale with lots of unusual people but goodhearted and rich in sub plots. Watched it again on TV ages ago and never saw it again. Which is a true shame. Dear folks at Warner Bros: please re-release this gem on BD and DVD! Give it the credits it deserves. Take your time for some restoration, put some extra's on it (interviews with director and cast, a look back, etcetera) but give this movie back to the fans. We're waiting for it too long. Thanks!