Review of The World According to Garp (1982) by Tiffany R — 21 Jul 2009

Why? What was the point of that? Yes, I realize that not every movie needs a specific point or reason for existing, but almost every frame of this film seems to be suggesting that there is a very clear one - I just can't find it. Firstly the good parts of this films are very good: Glenn Close is perfect and her character is easily the best piece of the film; John Lithgow is equally wonderful in his portrayal of transsexual Roberta; my huge crush on Mary Beth Hurt since Chilly Scenes of Winter continues unabated. The entire early section of the film, chronicling the relationship between Garp and his mother is really interesting.

But then the whole Family Drama kicks in and we are left with an astonishingly predictable and uninteresting soap opera. Even though they're pretty well sign posted everywhere, the twists completely out of left field makes you wonder what exactly are they going to do with them. The answer: nothing particularly interesting. It just happens and the message seemed to be that "things just happen." I knew that already, and learned all about it in better films. After the big Family Tragedy happens, a truly hurtful comment is made by Close that just goes ignored. Whereas these were smart, intelligent people in the first half, they go into a bubble at the end and seemed to stop interacting with each other in any meaningful way. There's one or two good scenes, while the plot stagnates. Then the end comes and you'll go "What? Why?".