The IMDB project - #250 Rain Man
He is clever, he's my brother!
Year - 1988,
Director - Barry Levinson,
IMDB Rating - 8.0/10
Charlie Babbitt is a typical second hand car salesman down on his luck, when he discovers the father he hasn't spoken to for years has died. He was the only child to a man he fell out with over his fathers car which he took without permission and got caught in by the police driving. This all means that Charlie misses out on a ã3 million inheritance that has gone to a trustee not known to Charlie. The trustee turns out to be Raymond, Charlie's older Autistic brother who was kept secret from him. Charlie initially see's Raymond as a way to unlock his father's fortune and so breaks him out of the institution where he is being kept, however what ensues is a road trip of discovery. On the way we discover Raymond has a gift for numbers, toothpick counting in particular. This gives Charlie an idea that will change both of their lives forever. The trip they take sees Charlie learn humility, understanding and how to make a connection with his long lost brother.
The script, screenplay and directing allow two of the best actors of the generation to really show everything they are about. Cruise, pre scientology and celebrity marriages, is in great form as he plays the 'Arthur Daly' of LA, a cocky character who struggles at first to understand the complexity of Autism. Dustin Hoffman is absolutely amazing as Raymond, well deserving of his Oscar for best leading actor. I watched a documentary on Autism not long ago and Mr Hoffman got it absolutely spot on. The two have a great chemistry that really works on a personal level, you feel like you are right in the middle of the journey they are taking.
The story is enchanting, a real mans 'chick flick' that grips you from the start and will have you fighting back the tears later on. The story is realistic while staying true to the Autism and the frustrations that family members must go through. I'm sure many families were glad that this film was made to truly highlight the disorder and bring it to the movie watching world.
Rain man is a thought provoking movie which is thoroughly entertaining as a touching road movie. The only down point to the film was a bit of a padded out middle section which really didn't need to be there. Packed with human connection and understanding though, I would fully recommend it to guys and girls out there who maybe want more than just a tear jerker.
Favourite scene: The Abbott & Costello 'Who's on first?' references when Raymond feels uncomfortable are touching and funny at the same time.
Triva: During filming, both Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise doubted the movie's potential and jokingly called it, "Two Schmucks in a Car".
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Paul Cole - Paul Cole - Lost, Torchwood, Sci-fi, Dr Who and anything worth getting the Anorak on for
Steve Wollaston - Wookie-loving Star Wars fanatic with a love of all things Dharma and sci-fi. Our resident You-Tube trawler.
Daniel Smith - Would-be scientist who can't add up. Believes Sisko is the best captain and Ronald D Moore is some sort of god.
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Jaymeetee - Marty Mcfly loving film buff, on a mission to watch and review all of the imdb.com top 250 movies
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