Re: The movie Rainman---why do you love it?
By blueskies
@blueskies (1186)
United States
January 11, 2007 6:23am CST
I love this movie because I think it made a whole nation sit up and take notice of autism. It also humanized the disorder by showing a character who was just as loveable as he was odd.
How do you feel about the Vegas card-counting scene? While it was an excellent illustration of autistic savant abilities, it is a form of exploitation. Maybe that's actually a good thing, as it showed how those with autism are sometimes exploited (perhaps on a somewhat exaggerated scale).
4 people like this
14 responses
@sylviekitty (2083)
• United States
11 Jan 07
I've never seen this movie, and though part of me is curious about it, I would much rather watch a documentary about a person who really *has* a disorder- not an actor's representation of a person with the disorder. And that is not to "diss" Dustin Hoffman, because from most accounts, he did a great job portraying Kim Peek (the real "Rain Man").
But if it made people take notice (and want to do something positive) about Autism, then great! :)
@clownfish (3269)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Hey, Sylviekitty! If I'm not mistaken, there was a documentary about Kim Peek on one of the Discovery Channels not too long ago. We watched part of it. It is very interesting. You might watch the listings to see if it comes on again - or I will post if I see it again. :-)
@blueskies (1186)
• United States
11 Jan 07
While I understand what you're saying, I think it's the fact that this movie came as as a movie--rather than a documentary that helped it make people aware of autism. I think that people in general are much more likely to go to the movies to be entertained, rather than to be educated.
It really is a very touching movie with a lot of humor feeling. I think you'll enjoy it if you choose to see it.
@rainbow (6761)
•
11 Jan 07
People need to realise that having Autism doesn't mean that you sit on the floor drooling and rocking all the time. Some perople are so close to "normal" that many people never even realise.
Any film that brings the disorder into the public eye and makes people realise that our loved ones are not monsters but people just like them only more special with wonderful talents in certain areas has to be a good thing.I don't know about the card scene, sorry.
What about Forrest Gump, what was he supposed to have wrong apart from his legs, I can't remember, but he was a little different and very special and everyone loves the story.
There's a lot to be said for odd, I like odd and I bet you do too, we are all odd in some way.lol
@blueskies (1186)
• United States
11 Jan 07
Oh, I'm definitely odd :). I've read that in order for a child to be born with autism, both parents must possess the autism gene. I'm not sure how accurate this is, but my son is very much like me in many ways.
I think Forrest Gump was mentally challenged (low IQ). I love that movie because it really illustrates how good people can be.
As for high-functioning autism, you are absolutely right! My son is high-functioning, so much so that many people don't believe me when I tell them that he has autism. However, I have found it necessary to tell them because he will eventually act so "oddly" around them that they will notice and I want to head off negative reactions.
2 people like this
@rainbow (6761)
•
11 Jan 07
I often get told I'm wierd by people who have just got to really know me, but it doesn't seem to put them off, maybe wacky is fun?
Don't know about the genes, his dad had a lot of problems but no label except for dyslexia which can be linked on the spectrum. Bong is always in a panic like my dad and foul tempered like me so who knows?
I tend to be open about Bongs problems. I think if I can pick up any ideas that might help me or someone else with their child and bring people to understand the problems then life for a whole lot of people might just be that little bit easier.
2 people like this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
12 Jan 07
i have just loved the movie. i think, no one else could do better justice to the character than justin hoffman and same i feel for tom cruise. they are simple awesome. i may not be an excellent critic like u ppl, but i would certainly say the film has surpassed this genre of films.
however, having said this, i have liked tom hanks in forrest gump more, donot have any specific reason though, all three being my favorites.
thank you for the discussion
@cjthedog64 (1552)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I thought it was a very well written and acted movie. I also lived in Cincinnati at the time (where it was shot) so I loved watching to see the sites that I was familiar with. I think it showed a very good description of the things that autistics have to deal with, and the things that caregivers and family have to deal with also.
@bkfuels (1601)
• Canada
24 Feb 07
I have watched this movie at least 8 times I find it so heart warming. As far as the card counting goes I think it is a little unrealistic, I know autistic people may have certain talents but I think it was extreme in the movie. But over all a really great movie it is on my top 10 list for sure.
@remaster74 (4063)
• Greece
22 Jan 07
I adore this movie. As most people I know do. It was the best they could do to make the whole world realise that autism can happen to all and we have to treat these people as people. Not problematic ones. They deserve attention and love as they have a great amount of love to give.
@clownfish (3269)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Hi! I love this movie and I think Dustin Hoffman's portrayal was very accurate on many levels. The only thing that concerns me is that now people associate Autism with Rainman. They expect all people with Autism to have voilent meltdowns and to act strangely. That's the only detriment I see from the movie is it stereotypes Autistic people. Otherwise it's a fabulous movie!
@ESKARENA1 (18260)
•
21 Jan 07
i loved the movie it is in my opinion Dustin Hofmans finest performance. I think it worked well to illustrate autistic savants. Far from exploiting autism i feel it hightened awareness and certainly left me with warm feeling inside
@freesoul (3021)
• Egypt
25 Jan 07
I loved the movie "Rain Man" I saw it once it came out and saw it a few times later on .. Actually this film was what made me aware of autism, I had no idea about this situation before, this is a good way the film maker can do to promote awareness about some issues in a subtle and enjoyable way.
@Starlady0_1 (586)
• United States
24 Jan 07
As yourself I also enjoyed Watching the movie The Rain man. Autistic people also have talents that others can's see. I wished I knew someone who was that great at numbers. Yes my son is good with numbers but not that good. I'm sure that people who have autism are exploited more then any of us may ever know.
@jeb083079 (839)
• Philippines
26 Jan 07
i bought a dvd copy of this movie. it's a good movie because of dustin hoffman's acting. it also shows how to deal with people like them like having great patience for their actions.
@fieryeyedwriter (614)
• United States
11 Feb 07
I loved this movie for so many reasons... it is realistic. It shows the weaknesses and faults of society as we look at disabilities, in this case autism. It also shows the love of brothers, and how it just takes something simple to change ones outlook on life. I can't begin to describe everything about this movie, but I can say that it definitely makes you sit back and think.
