The World According to Garp

[Sophree]

How could I have never seen this movie before now?? I'm a huge movie buff, but I saw this the other night for the first time. What a fantastic, heartwrenching, lovely movie. I was BAWLING through most of the last half hour and nearly hysterical, shaking and crying at the end.

And John Lithgow's part and performance, wow. Amazing.

And since I've been trying to walk the middle path, I took to heart the cautionary tale of a person becoming so extreme that they lose sight of what is right and good.

If you haven't seen it, rent it! Make sure you have a box of tissues handy, though.

[Tom_Foolery]

1. The book is better...

but I enjoyed the movie, too. John Irving is one of the best writers.

[JitterbugPerfume]

2. yup

book is better!!!

[Waistdeep]

3. book is definitely better

but the movie is fun. Lithgow is wonderful.

[Taverner]

4. I agree - the book is awesome

And the whole thing is kind of an exploration of the baby boom generation by a boomer.

Made me as an X-er understand the boomers a lot more...

[Emboldened Chimp]

5. Cool pic of Page!

[Sophree]

7. I was eye-level with Page.

For the first New Year's show in Miami this year. 1st/2nd row on the first level. I've never been that close before- never experienced Phish that way (or enjoyed them as much!)

I used to play the piano and his musicianship stood out to me from the first time I saw them.

I think I actually saw Trey laughing at my dancing one time, too. lol It was just so FUNKY!

[Emboldened Chimp]

8. I was right behind him in Vegas

It was cool to see the audience from their perspective.

[Sophree]

6. There's a book?

OK, that's next on my list.

[MissMillie]

9. yes, and it's WAY better

John Irving is a master in character development.

You should also read "A Prayer for Owen Meany"... fabulous!

[Sophree]

10. Was "Garp" based on a true story?

My friend, who I was watching it w/ thought so.

[Tom_Foolery]

11. I believe it's all fiction...

but John Irving may have based some characters on real people.

[Sophree]

12. k, thanks.

:hi:

[Zorra]

16. I agree.

And agree that John Irving is a great writer.

[jab105]

13. One f my favorite books ever!!

dont bother with the movie, its got nothing on the book...or any of John Irvings books...I'd recommend most of them...

[SarahB]

14. My favorite movie ever

I saw it for the first time when I was probably somewhere between the age of 15 and 17 (was only 10 I think when it came out) and after I read the book. It's just filled with so much and is so unique, but innately human at the same time. I've seen it so many times, but whenever it's on again, I'll still watch it.

[tjwash]

15. Book is definitely better.

nt

[Something Blue]

17. John Irving is

a tough SOB to read. He'll do something hysterically funny then break your heart while the laugh is still dying in your throat. I read "Garp" and "Hotel New Hampshire" and both of them left me emotionally exhausted. Terrific books, but gut-wrenching.

Incidentally, "Garp" helped me choose my son's name. His middle name is Josh - Not Joshua - like Walt; "short, sweet, and to the point". :)