Rain Man movie review and analysis in our Film Criticism Course for advanced ESL students based on the English Immersion Program with a special focus on the plot and themes of the film
Rain Man movie trailer
Rain Man movie review and analysis
Rain Man (1988) takes us on a journey with Charlie Babbitt, a self-centered salesman (played by Tom Cruise). Charlie’s world is turned upside down when he discovers his estranged father has passed away, leaving a hefty inheritance to a previously unknown brother, Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman). Driven by the potential financial gain, Charlie hatches a plan to retrieve Raymond from a care facility. However, Raymond is autistic and has specific routines and anxieties. Their forced road trip across America becomes a chaotic yet poignant adventure. As Charlie navigates Raymond’s world, he uncovers a hidden talent for memorization and an exceptional mind trapped within his brother’s challenges.
The film delves into the complexities of family and the transformative power of connection. Charlie’s initial motivation is purely financial, but his journey with Raymond forces him to confront his own selfishness and re-evaluate what truly matters. Rain Man also tackles the topic of autism with sensitivity, showcasing the unique challenges Raymond faces while celebrating his extraordinary abilities. Ultimately, the film explores the power of acceptance and the unexpected bonds that can form when we open ourselves to understanding those different from ourselves.
Questions for discussion
- Rain Man portrays Raymond’s autism in detail. How does the film balance the challenge he faces with showcasing his unique talents?
- Charlie undergoes a significant transformation throughout the movie. What are some key moments in the road trip that contribute to this change in him?
- The film’s title, “Rain Man,” is open to interpretation. What are some possible meanings of the title, and how do they connect to the film’s themes?
1. The movie “Rain Man” portrays the challenges and characteristics of an autistic person in detail. Although Raymond has exceptional talents and abilities, such as high mathematical and memory intelligence, he struggles with communication and expressing his emotions.
2. Charlie was at first angry at his father and Raymond, blaming them for not receiving his share of the inheritance, especially when Raymond didn’t even understand the concept of money. However, he later realized that Raymond was the one who used to sing to him when he was scared. Charlie also recognized that it was because of him that Raymond was sent to a mental institution. As a result, he began to feel more positively towards Raymond and treated him more kindly.
3. “Rain Man” refers to Raymond. As a baby, Charlie used to call Raymond “Rain Man” because that was the way the name sounded to him. Another interpretation could be that the word “rain” has an ironic meaning, as Raymond didn’t like to go outside when it rained.
Such a thorough comment on the film, Rain Man. Thank you so much.
Your answers to the questions are absolutely right. We’ll certainly discuss these 3 points in our next class.
To me, something that chiefly grabbed my attention about Rain Man was the shift of emphasis in Charlie from a materialistic attitude to an altruistic and familial orientation, portrayed in an artistic fashion.
Please answer at least one of the three questions raised in the discussion section of this post on Rain Man.