Exploring the Heart of 'Rain Man' – A Film Critique

Rain Man, 1988

Directed By: Barry Levinson

Link to Trailer

The film centers on Charlie Babbitt, a young and conceited car trader who discovers the death of his estranged father. In anticipation of receiving a sizable inheritance from his father's estate, Charlie makes the trip to Cincinnati for the funeral and the will reading. But he learns that his father left a sizable sum of money to an unspecified beneficiary. When Charlie looks into it more, he discovers that his unknown older brother Raymond Babbitt is the recipient. Raymond is a brilliant mathematician and memory expert who is autistic, yet he has trouble adjusting to new situations and routines. He has spent the majority of his life in a mental hospital. Charlie chooses to bring Raymond back to Los Angeles with him after recognizing an opportunity to take control of his father's finances. His initial goal is to leverage Raymond's card-counting skills in a casino to gain a financial advantage. Charlie, however, starts to comprehend the difficulties and complexity of caring for a person with autism as the journey goes on. Charlie and Raymond bond in surprising ways while traveling. Charlie grows more understanding of his brother's condition despite their differences and early arguments. He discovers Raymond's habits, inclinations, and obsessions. When Raymond assists Charlie with financial and legal issues, he makes use of his mathematical abilities and memory. As they spend more time together, Charlie develops a true affection for Raymond and starts to doubt his own goals and ideals. On the brothers' voyage, there are amusing, frustrating, and heartwarmingly close moments. In the end, Charlie comes to see that Raymond's happiness and well-being are more significant than his inheritance.

Rain Man does not have a traditional Plot Devie in the same way that some other films might. The connection between the two major characters, Charlie Babbitt and his elder, autistic savant brother Raymond Babbitt, is the primary subject of the film. The story of the movie revolves around their road trip of self-discovery, friendship, and personal improvement.

In the film Rain Man, The 3 main acts begin with Young and conceited car dealer Charlie Babbitt finding out about his father's passing and the money. reveals that Raymond Babbit, Charlie's older brother whom he was unaware of, received the majority of the luck. Charlie's longing for fortune and his annoyance with Raymond's presence is what first drives him. 

Against the recommendation of the staff, Charlie removes Raymond from the mental hospital. From Cincinnati to Los Angeles, the brothers set out on a road journey. Due to their differences, the two characters clash throughout the journey but also grow closer and comprehend one other. We learn about Raymond's habits and obsessions as well as his amazing mathematical and memory abilities. Charlie becomes aware of the difficulties in taking care of Raymond, but he also begins to feel sympathy and love for him.

Charlie develops a sincere interest in Raymond's happiness and success. After arriving in Los Angeles, they travel to Las Vegas to exploit Raymond's card-counting expertise there. An altercation between casino security and law enforcement results from the incident. Charlie must decide whether to use Raymond's talents for personal benefit or not. Charlie's personal development is facilitated by travel, which forces him to reassess his priorities. After Charlie acknowledges Raymond's significance in his life and the brothers part ways after forging a close friendship and understanding, the movie comes to a close.

The main change I noticed was in Raymond. Because of his illness, Raymond finds it challenging to empathize with people. Through their conversations, he develops a close bond and connection with Charlie that he had never known. He is now able to feel relationships and feelings that were previously out of his reach because of this newly found relationship

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