Rain Man

Rain Man
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Name	Rain Man
Director	Barry Levinson
Producer	Mark Johnson
Writer	Barry Morrow, Ronald Bass
Starring	Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise
Music	Hans Zimmer
Cinematography	John Seale
Editing	Stu Linder
Studio	United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Released	1988
Runtime	133 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$25 million
Gross	$172.8 million

Rain Man is a highly acclaimed American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. The film stars Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, and Tom Cruise as his brother Charlie Babbitt. The movie was released in 1988 by United Artists and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and it features a score by Hans Zimmer. The film's success can be attributed to the outstanding performances of its cast, including Valeria Golino and Jerry Molen, as well as the exceptional direction by Barry Levinson, who has also worked on films like Good Morning, Vietnam and Bugsy with Warren Beatty.

Plot

The plot of Rain Man revolves around Charlie Babbitt, a selfish and arrogant car dealer played by Tom Cruise, who discovers that his estranged father has passed away, leaving behind a vast fortune. However, the inheritance is left to Raymond Babbitt, Charlie's older brother, who is an autistic savant with exceptional mathematical abilities, played by Dustin Hoffman. Charlie kidnaps Raymond from the Walbrook institution, where he has been living, and takes him on a road trip to Las Vegas, hoping to gain control of the inheritance. Along the way, they visit various places, including Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, and encounter people like Dr. Bruner, played by Jerry Molen, who is determined to return Raymond to the institution. The film's narrative is also influenced by the works of Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist who has written about autism and savant syndrome.

Production

The production of Rain Man was a collaborative effort between United Artists and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with Mark Johnson serving as the producer. The film was shot on location in various places, including California, Ohio, and Nevada, with John Seale handling the cinematography. The script was written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass, who drew inspiration from real-life stories of autistic savants, such as Daniel Tammet and Kim Peek. The film's score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who has also worked on films like Thelma and Louise and The Lion King with Elton John.

Cast

The cast of Rain Man includes Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt, and Valeria Golino as Susanna. The film also features Jerry Molen as Dr. Bruner, Jack Murdock as John Mooney, and Michael D. Roberts as Vern. The cast's performances were widely praised by critics, with Dustin Hoffman receiving an Academy Award for his portrayal of Raymond Babbitt. The film's cast has also worked on other notable projects, such as Tootsie with Sydney Pollack and Jerry Maguire with Cameron Crowe.

Reception

Rain Man received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. The film holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of autism and savant syndrome. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $172 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1988, along with Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop. The film's success can be attributed to the exceptional direction by Barry Levinson, who has also worked with Robert De Niro on films like Sleepers and Wag the Dog.

Impact

The impact of Rain Man was significant, as it helped to raise awareness about autism and savant syndrome. The film's portrayal of Raymond Babbitt as a complex and multifaceted character helped to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about autism. The film also inspired a new generation of researchers and advocates, including Temple Grandin and Tony Attwood, who have worked to improve our understanding of autism and develop more effective treatments. The film's influence can also be seen in other works, such as The Accountant with Ben Affleck and The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch.

Awards

Rain Man won several awards, including four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman. The film also won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama for Dustin Hoffman. The film's success at the Academy Awards was notable, as it marked a major milestone in the career of Barry Levinson, who has also worked on films like Diner and Tin Men with Richard Dreyfuss. The film's awards and nominations also include recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the National Board of Review. Category:American drama films