RAIN MAN
A film review by Chad Polenz
Copyright 1997 Chad Polenz
***1/2 (out of 4 = very good) 1988, R, 128 minutes [2 hours, 8 minutes] [drama] Starring: Tom Cruise (Charlie Babbit), Dustin Hoffman (Ray Babbit), written by Ronald Bass, Barry Morrow, produced by Mark Johnson, directed by Barry Levinson.
For most of us, it's difficult to imagine having any major handicaps or mental problems. We really don't think about the people that do have those problems because they only seem like images on TV and in movies. "Rain Man" is a good, touching story that proves those people do exist and we learn a lot about life from those who live simple ones.
Tom Cruise stars as Charlie Babbit, a cocky, greedy import car salesman. He makes huge amounts of cash from importing the most expensive cars from around the globe (i.e. Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.). He also has a girlfriend and everything is OK, even though business is looking shaky. When he hears of his father's death we learn a more about him as he talks about the terrible relationship he had with his father. But since he is the only surviving relative he believes he will inherit his father's entire estate.
Apparently, Charlie's father left three million dollars to another beneficiary. But Charlie is so upset and confused, he does some research and eventually finds himself at a mental hospital in Ohio arguing with his father's friend over the inheritance and in the process realizes he has an older brother named Raymond (Hoffman) he never knew existed.
Ray is an autistic savant, he can memorize anything upon hearing or reading it once, but is incapable of making decisions for himself and does not understand emotions either. When Charlie demands half of the money and is rejected, he essentially kidnaps Ray and starts a cross-country trip home.
There really isn't a plot after this point, it's just chemistry between these two very different people. Cruise and Hoffman are so excellent you totally believe everything that happens. Hoffman delivers an astonishing performance, not only is his character touching because of his innocence, but he is also quite funny and gives the film a lighthearted tone.
Charlie cannot understand Ray, and Ray certainly cannot understand Charlie. There are many funny scenes that deal with these problems. For example, Ray says he can't wear Charlie's underwear because he only wears boxer shorts bought at K-Mart at 400 Oak Street in Cincinnati. He is also obsessed with watching television shows at the same time everyday, and if he can't see these programs he will break routine and it will be too much for him to comprehend.
Perhaps this is a theme of our lives too. We are pretty much slaves to routine, but imagine if every minute of every day was dependant upon an exact schedule. This seems difficult to understand, and for a "Scrooge" like Charlie, it is totally impossible.
The film does have an important sub-plot to it concerning Charlie's business dealings, although it really is not that necessary to keep the story going. There is a long but interesting detour as Charlie exploits Ray's ability to memorize everything as they pass through Las Vegas and "cheat" at Blackjack and win almost $100,000. By this point the two have really gotten to know each other and realize their limitations. The Vegas setting also provides for many great scenes, one involving a prostitute flirting with Ray, and another with a slow dance between the two brothers.
Of course by the end of "Rain Man" Charlie is completely transformed and wants custody of his brother. Maybe this seems a little too sweet in the big picture, but the way the movie's nuances work so well, it doesn't make a difference. We're just happy with what happened.
please visit Chad'z Movie Page @ http://members.aol.com/ChadPolenz
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