“Rain Man” is one of my earliest favorite movies, and re-watching it makes me appreciate what a masterpiece it is. Nominated for eight Oscars and winning four—including ‘Best Picture’—the story tackles mental illness at a time when information and material presenting it was scarce.
The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise as two brothers meeting for the first time and embarking on an epic cross-country road trip. Hoffman received high praise for his performance as a character born with Autism. While Hoffman’s accolades (winning Best Actor) are well deserved, it’s Cruise who pulls off a memorable role with immense energy and charisma. It’s one of the best character arcs you’ll find on film.
Emotionally-Charged and Well-Rounded Characters
The backstory for the primary characters is fully fleshed out in a handful of early scenes. Charlie Babbitt (Cruise) is a selfish ’80s yuppie who left home at an early age, disowning his father. He’s a selfish bully who verbally mistreats his loving girlfriend Susanna (Valerie Golino) and his employee. Charlie meets Raymond (Hoffman), his older brother, in a way I won’t spoil here. Understandably, it’s a shock for him to discover a sibling he never knew he had. The ensuing story—taking the brothers on an epic road trip from Cincinnati to Los Angeles—is charged with humor and touching interactions along the journey.
“Rain Man” is essential a two-character show, with Charlie and Raymond the only people we see for the film’s majority. Each actor does a tremendous job with their part, and they have organic rapport. The film makes us believe the pair are blood relatives getting to know each other despite their abundance of differences. The character growth of Charlie is one of the best and steepest climbs in any movie I’ve seen. Cruise’s skill here will make you appreciate him as an actor. And the advantage to having two leads is we really get a feel for their thoughts and lives. The plot of “Rain Man” revolves solely around them.
Shot to perfection
Director Barry Levinson includes masterful shots and scene-framing techniques that present a cinematic work of art. The opening scene enforces our presence in 1988 as a crane airlifts a Lamborghini to a dealership lot. Another great moment includes a flawless follow shot amidst a highly tense argument between Charlie and Susanna. The soundtrack by Hans Zimmer is great, and one that stirs emotional juices in every scene as we embark on a road trip unlike any other in film with the brothers Babbitt.
I enjoyed the realistic nature that the story has. Without spoilers, the best scenes—and ending itself—may have been ruined if done with a modern soft style. “Rain Man” pulls no punches with its blunt nature. This includes laugh out loud moments, as well as incredibly tense parts that leave your emotions nearly drained.
“Rain Man” is one of my favorite films and perfect in every way. As we recognize Autism Awareness, it’s a movie that served an early support for those with developmental conditions. When the movie is over, you’ll want to watch it again and again.
