Logan Sork Film Reviews
Rain Man
There aren’t many films that manage to be dramatic and emotionally gripping but also light and funny in tone. Many have tried and many have failed but some have succeeded. Rain Man is one of those films that succeeds in delivering laughs and drama. This can be attributed to several factors, including the great leads, the powerful themes and the well-executed balancing act of comedy with deep drama.
Rain Man is directed by Barry Levinson and stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. The story follows Charlie Babbit (Cruise), an exotic car dealer who learns that his estranged father has passed away. While he is not at all moved by his father’s passing, he is concerned as to why he has not received any financial inheritance. After some investigating, he discovers a secret his father kept from him: that he has an older autistic brother named Raymond (Hoffman) who has inherited his father’s fortune. Motivated by his father’s money, Charlie removes Raymond from the institution he’s staying at and takes him on a road trip to California to try and weasel him out of the money. On their journey, Charlie begins to learn more about Raymond and realizes that there may be some things are more important than money.
What really makes the film truly fantastic is the two main leads and the chemistry they have with one another. Tom Cruise starts out the film as a somewhat unlikable jerk, which Is a role he is pretty good at playing for several reasons. However, just when you begin to think that there is nothing likable about the guy, he begins to change into a caring person and Cruise manages to make this transition feel natural and earned rather than awkward and forced and he must be commended for that. But who really steals the show is Hoffman, who plays Charlie’s autistic brother, Raymond. Now, say what you will about an actor playing a handicapped person, and I did have my concerns that it might be in bad taste. Luckily, however, Hoffman’s incredible portrayal of this character brings not only charm, but complex emotional depth to a character that could’ve been mishandled very badly. It’s these two drastically different personalities of both the character and the stars playing that gives the film that special something. The chemistry between these two moving at a swift pace, even when the film occasionally drags in places.
These two contrasting personalities and performers contribute to one of the film’s main strengths, and that is just how funny the film is. There aren’t many films that make me laugh sadly to say, but this is one of them. What makes this so sit that none of the comedy feels forced or unnatural, everything flows so organically, resulting in some truly hilarious moments. The comedy also works well to establish characters and build upon their growth. This includes Raymond’s nervous ticks, which not only establish what he’s like but also provides some great comedic beats. Still, this film is not just focused on being funny, as there are a lot of great dramatic moments with a lot of emotional weight behind them. The journey that these characters go on is not just for fun and games, and there a few scenes in which Charlie has to deal with Raymond that are uncomfortable to watch, but in a good way. The film doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that handicapped individuals face and also shows how these challenges can impact their lives. Still, it never makes these difficulties to be bad, bit rather things that people like Raymond must deal with in their daily lives, and the film portrays this with the right amount of seriousness with some comedy to keep things light.
But in all seriousness, this film really has a strong message about the familial connections that people share, and how these connections can end up changing them for the better. The journey that these two go on not only changes who they are ion the present, but also makes them realize how strong their connection was before that. The film portrays a great positive image of what family is- someone who will be there fore you and support you no matter what. Charlie begins the film with nothing but distain towards his brother, using him only as a means to an end. But as the film progresses, he begins to understand that Raymond isn’t just someone with money, he’s his brother, and he must do anything he can to help him. This is a truly wonderful representation of what it means to have family, showing that nothing can get in the way of support that they will give one another.
In the end, Rain Man is a truly excellent film with little to no flaws. The film is ultimately made impressive from it’s fantastic leads, it’s well balanced comedy and drama and the powerful picture it paints about familial connection. These elements are also aided by some fantastic technical elements, but it’s not the filmmaking that makes Rain Man truly great. What makes this film great is it’s story and the powerful themes that portrays, allowing it to resonate with anyone who watches it no matter where or when.
9/10