MovieChat Forums > The World According to Garp (1982) Discussion > In the book...

In the book...

posted 20 years ago by RLoftus54
11 replies | jump to latest

In the book, is the meeting between Garp and Ellen James different then the movie? The Ellen James situation really interests me for some reason.

[–] joeyjojoshabadoo 20 years ago

If I remember correctly (its been a while since I read the book, which is excellent, BTW) Garp meets Ellen James in the same way, when she saves him from the mob at his mother's memorial.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves - Confucius

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] penguined 20 years ago

In my opinion the film is in no way as enjoyable as the book. It's a very poor adaptation.

"There are a million fine girls in the world, but they don't all bring you lasagna at work."

[–] powdered_toast_man 20 years ago

I thought, in the book, that Garp met Ellen James after his jaw had been broken and Eleen came to meet his mother? Garp thought he could relate to her b/c neither of them had the ability to talk.

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We can't stop here, this is bat country!

[–] jopeys 20 years ago

If you liked this adaptation of a great book I would recommend "The Door in the Floor"

It's pretty good too.

[–] grumpy_otter 20 years ago

Ellen follows Garp after the funeral and introduces herself to him on an airplane. Dottie "saves" Garp when the women become angry at the funeral. Differently from the film, the book has Ellen staying with Garp and his family.

Read the book--the movie is a pale imitation.

[–] dtr19 20 years ago

Not only does she stay with Garp, but she falls in love with his son. Also, READ THE BOOK! The movie is pretty close, but it cuts out A LOT of stuff. I mean some of the best parts of the book aren't here. Also, in the book you find out where everyone ends up, whereas the movie ends much earlier. But I'm a HUGE John Irving fan, and think all of his boks need to be read.

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] grumpy_otter 20 years ago

I wouldn't say I am "bashing" it. As a film, it has its moments, but the book is enormously better. So much better that I don't think anyone need bother with the film except to see the wonderful portrayals by John Lithgow, Glenn Close, Mary Beth Hurt, and the whole cast.

(And to previous poster--Ellen and Duncan never fell in love in the book. They were best friends until she died)

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] grumpy_otter 20 years ago

"In the book, Ellen James and Duncan were never in love, but they were more than best friends; they were siblings. Ellen James was a daughter to Garp."

That's true, but she was 19 when she was "adopted." I don't think they ever made it official. She and Duncan did love each other, but I don't think they were ever "in love." Their relationship was more, as you suggest, beloved brother and sister.