Based on the novel by John Irving, The World According to Garp as captured by George Roy Hill, is a lively, off kilter drama with a grotesque comedic appeal. Garp, (Robin Williams) is the product of a not so orthodox ‘relationship’ between his mother, Jenny Fields, (Glenn Close) the strong minded, strong willed, ahead of her time, ‘radical feminist’ and an unlikely injured pilot. The twists carry us through a stretch of sporadic scenes of a young Garp from childhood to man. In his pursuit to become a ‘real’ writer Garp is overshadowed by his mothers seemingly overnight success with the publishing of her own book.
A termed ‘womans’ reading that brought about massive demonstrations of outraged women. Although Garp marries his college sweetheart Helen, (Mary Beth Hurt) becomes a father, and even an accomplished writer, he finds himself in constant limbo. Jenny Fields becomes a household name as her ideals flourish as a friend, mentor, and midwife for women in a unlikely or peculiar state within themselves, as Garp finds his own identity unreachable. Robin Williams transforms smoothly from lusty boy to cheating husband, the catchy one liners delivered a tinge of light heartedness to a dismal scene.
This movie was well served by Glenn Close (Jenny Fields) and John Lithgow, (ex-football player turned woman and unlikely confidant of Garp himself) both proving an exceptional performance. Because the variety of subject matter it is hard to clarify the true main event of this movie. One can only hope it touches the novel in a deservedly tone. Ahead of its time in every sense, and possibly a prime target to the ‘sensitive’ viewer.
The Essay on Native American Women
On few subjects has there been such continual misconception as on the position of women among Indians. Because she was active, always busy in the camp, often carried heavy burdens, attended to the household duties, made the clothing and the home, and prepared the family food, the woman has been depicted as the slave of her husband, a patient beast of encumbrance whose labors were never done. The ...
Bringing to light, life, lust, consensual sex, adultery, homosexuality, and self mutilation all in one-hundred and thirty six minutes. Although delightfully animated and enjoyable, perhaps this movie should have been titled The World According to Jenny Fields.
