The Evolution of Autism Portrayal in Cinema

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MOVIE REVIEW
Rain Man
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1988, 2023 MVD Marquee Collection
Runtime: 2h 14m
Director(s): Barry Levinson
Writer(s): Barry Morrow, Ron Bass
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino
Where To Watch: available from www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Let’s travel back to 1988, where we'll immerse ourselves in the world of RAIN MAN, a nostalgic cinematic experience awaits us as we explore this memorable piece from Hollywood's past and pose the question: Has RAIN MAN stood the test of time or lost its appeal over the years? Also, let's ponder how RAIN MAN might be reinvented in the contemporary movie scene.

In the spotlight first, we have our leading man, Charlie Babbit, brought to life on-screen by the versatile Tom Cruise. Charlie personifies the pulse and rhythm of Los Angeles, marked by his wit, ambition, and a dash of roguish charm. He's engaged in the high-stakes game of selling luxurious cars, offering a captivating glimpse into the materialistic side of the 80s.

The plot ignites when Charlie's father leaves him with an earth-shattering revelation. Unbeknownst to Charlie, he has an elder brother, Raymond, who has savant syndrome and is on the autism spectrum. To add a bit of dramatic spice, Charlie's father's wealth is left to the institution caring for Raymond. Powered by anger and a burning sense of injustice, Charlie embarks on a cross-country trip with Raymond, traveling from Cincinnati to Los Angeles. This journey is more than just a road trip—a voyage of discovery.

Enter Dustin Hoffman as Raymond. He dazzles the audience with his extraordinary portrayal of a man with exceptional abilities. We're talking about an eidetic memory, the ability to calculate faster than a computer, and a penchant for precision that is striking. However, his prowess in social interactions and emotional comprehension isn’t what society had deemed “normal.” As the journey progresses, Charlie's initial perception of Raymond as a roadblock to his inheritance gradually transforms into recognizing and appreciating Raymond's distinctive talents and the person he is. In a loving flashback to their shared childhood, we learn that Raymond was christened 'Rain Man' by Charlie, a touching testament to the latent bond between the two brothers.

Directed by Barry Levinson, RAIN MAN beautifully showcases Charlie's transformation from a self-centered opportunist to a caring and understanding brother. However, Dustin Hoffman clinches the Oscar with his memorable and sensitive performance as Raymond. No spoiler alert is needed; his acting prowess is simply captivating!

Fast forward to the present day. While still a timeless tale, RAIN MAN raises questions about its portrayal of autism. In the 80s, the movie broke new ground by bringing autism into mainstream cinema. But our evolved understanding of autism's diverse spectrum prompts us to ask how a reimagined RAIN MAN would address this topic today. Should we stick to casting actors on the spectrum to bring authenticity and inclusion to such roles? Some would argue that acting by definition would say no, but I would argue that casting as true to life should be most important. You wouldn’t cast Jim Carey as Malcolm X; we as a society need to evolve and understand the world around us. The world around us changes, and we as a society learn and become more understanding of that world.

Even with this question hanging in the air, RAIN MAN still stands tall as a classic in cinema, combining humor and drama within a poignant narrative of brotherhood. Its accolades, including four Academy Awards, testify to its enduring charm. I always wished we could have dug deeper into Raymond's backstory and seen more of Charlie's transformation and “awakening” on screen. It could have enriched the character development and deepened the film to another level.

In conclusion, RAIN MAN is a timeless gem etched into cinematic history and shaped our understanding of autism when most didn’t know what it was (to be fair, we’re still learning.) It's a touchstone for narrative finesse, character evolution, and sensitive storytelling, serving as future films' goals.

BONUS MATERIALS:
– 2023 4K Restoration (16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) approved by director Barry Levinson and presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio in Dolby Vision / HDR
– English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Mono
– 4K Disc: Optional English SDH Subtitles | Blu-ray Disc: Optional English SDH, Spanish, French Subtitles
– Audio Commentary by Director Barry Levinson
– Audio Commentary by Writer Barry Morrow
– Audio Commentary by Writer Ronald Bass
– Blu-ray: ‘The Journey of Rain Man’ featurette (SD, 22:07)
– Blu-ray: ‘Lifting the Fog: A Look at the Mysteries of Autism’ featurette (SD, 20:13)
– Blu-ray: Deleted Scene (SD, 2:10)
– Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:13)
– Limited Edition Slipcover (*FIRST PRESSING ONLY)

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[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT]