Rain Man

It’s not difficult to see why Rain Man won four Oscars. On paper, the movie is a typical, dull, Hollywood drama with the characters undertaking a journey to try and ‘find themselves’, but by the end I guarantee your heart will be warmed and your emotions left in a state akin to Tom Cruise’s haircut.

Now, I don’t like Tom Cruise, but even I have to give him credit for his portrayal of the suitably egotistical and materialistic character of Charlie Babbitt. His acting is sharp and believable and I can’t fault him in this film. Really though, Dustin Hoffman is the star of the movie. Every movement, from the blank stare of his eyes to the hyperbolic screaming, will leave you in awe that the man isn’t actually the autistic Raymond Babbitt who he is meant to be playing.

The contrast between the characters is the true subject of the film, as Charlie tries to win a share of the $3 million inheritance left to Raymond by their father. They have depth, and they’re not the unrealistically attractive, emotionally overloaded teens you’d stereotypically find in a Hollywood drama. The plot progresses naturally and feels real; nothing feels forced or sappy and Barry Levinson must be applauded for his prowess in melding the genres of emotional drama and odd couple comedy so completely.

Throughout the movie you will be captivated, and the ending is where the movie really stands out. Avoiding spoilers, all I can say is that it is at this point that you realise how much of an emotional train-wreck you have experienced throughout the entire film, and it is the perfect ending to a near perfect movie.

Muhammad Bhatti