In Pauline Carr's captivating review of Rain Man (1988), she astutely observes, "Rain Man is like Dustin Hoffman taking two hours and eleven minutes to strike a single note on the piano." Hoffman's performance, which has since become an iconic benchmark, remains unparalleled and truly remarkable. However, Carl raises an intriguing question about Raymond, the character portrayed by Hoffman—would a portrayal by an actual autistic person be as one-sided as depicted in the film? It's a thought-provoking notion worth considering.
Despite Hoffman's commanding presence, it's important to remember that he is not the central character in the film. Charlie, Raymond's younger brother played by Tom Cruise, assumes a more substantial role in driving the plot's development. The movie sets off with Charlie's struggles in running a failing business, only to learn of his estranged father's passing. In a surprising twist, he discovers that his father's estate, valued at over 3 million dollars, is designated solely for Raymond. Unaware of his brother's existence, Charlie resorts to kidnapping Raymond, hoping to negotiate for a share of the inheritance.
Rain Man unmistakably embodies the late 1980s aesthetic, with its distinct Hans Zimmer soundtrack and the sun-drenched cinematography. Although its themes and performances may not have dominated conversations in the past 15 years, it remains an illustrious work, largely attributed to the exceptional performances of its two leading actors.
The film deviates from traditional narrative conventions, opting for a series of episodic encounters between Charlie and Raymond during their road trip (as Raymond refuses to fly due to his fear of airline accidents, with one exception—a particular Australian family). These episodes, ranging from Raymond's uncanny ability to recall phone book numbers to his unexpected repetition of a waitress's phone number, resonate with audiences, even those unfamiliar with the film. However, the heart of the story lies not in the turbulent encounters between Charlie and Raymond but rather in their emotional growth, which keeps us captivated throughout.
Although Charlie initially embodies an arrogant persona, Cruise's performance allows for intriguing depth beyond surface appearances. His portrayal vividly captures Charlie's transformation from a self-centred individual to a compassionate gentleman. Hoffman, on the other hand, remains a consummate professional, seamlessly bringing Raymond to life. While Carl finds fault with Hoffman's portrayal, deeming it overly eccentric, it's evident that Hoffman invested meticulous effort into his portrayal, even if the behind-the-scenes details remain unknown.
While Rain Man may not necessarily warrant the title of Best Picture at the Oscars, it unquestionably stands as a superb production. The enduring impact of Cruise and Hoffman's performances resonates deeply, casting a shadow over all other directors of the late 1980s, a testament to their enduring influence on cinema.
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