...The Hollywood film Rain Man is about the Autistic disorder Savant syndrome. In Rain Man, Raymond Babbitt (played by Dustin Hoffman) has Savant Syndrome and his brother Charlie Babbitt (played by Tom Cruise) finds out about Raymond being his brother and that he is good with numbers so Charlie decides to use his brother to make money. Over the course of the time that Charlie and Raymond are together, they become closer and Charlie is not just using Raymond for money. Hollywood portrays Savant syndrome accurately compared to what the APA says about Savant. Savant is a unique form of autism that has its own special skills, which set Savant apart from all other forms of autism. The most common skills found in savant patients are splinter skills. Some of the most common behaviors associated with splinter skills are memorization of music, sports, trivia, maps and historical facts. There are two other forms of savant, talented savants and prodigious savant. Talented savant is when a patient is very talented in one given field such as math. The word Autism can be define in many ways, but according to one definition, “Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized be impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before three years-old. Dustin Hoffman's role in the movie Rain Man does fit the description of autistic persons. In the movie Rain Man, the things that affected For example, when Raymond heard...
Words: 504 - Pages: 3
...“Rain Man and Autistic Disorders” The prevalence of autistic disorders has been steadily rising as the spotlight of attention focuses on them. Some reviewed data in ten countries and estimated a prevalence of 4.8 per 10,000, or about 1 in every 2,000 children suffers from autistic disorders. Other estimates suggest it may be as high as 1 in every 1,000; another estimate is that 1 in 50 children are diagnosed with ASD. The number of children with autism may now exceed the number of children with Down syndrome and children with Fragile X syndrome. Autism has moved from a low-incidence to a high-indecency condition similar to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities or emotional disturbance. “Rain Man” shows an eye opening storyline through the acts of the main character Charlie and the relationship with his autistic older brother that depicts the definition of autism as it is in everyday regular lives. The film has them traveling across America, from one situation to another, Charlie is slow to adjust his selfish intentions to meet his brother's anxious need to maintain his routines and rituals. He discovers from his brother important things about his childhood that he has forgotten. In the process, Charlie finds himself beginning to shed the protective layers of his personality and Raymond remains the same in spite of his new experiences, apparently still enclosed in his autistic world. Like the majority of severely autistic people, Dustin Hoffman, as the...
Words: 373 - Pages: 2
...Rain Man Essay Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in delays of "social interaction, language as used in social communication, or symbolic or imaginative play," with "onset prior to age 3 years," according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Some of the symptoms of Autism include: Lack of awareness of feelings of others and the expression of emotions, such as pleasure (laughing) or distress (crying), for reasons not apparent to others; Poor use of body language and nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures; Insisting on following routines and sameness, resisting change; Ritualistic or compulsive behaviors; Narrow, restricted interests (dates/calendars, numbers, weather, movie credits); Throwing tantrums and having no apparent fear of dangerous situations. In the movie Rain Man aka Raymond uses many rituals and routines to make himself feel safe. He memorized the times of all the TV shows that he watches on a daily basis and when Raymond was unable to watch those TV shows he freaked out so badly that Charlie felt the need to go up to a strangers house and ask if his brother could watch TV. Every morning Charlie demanded that he have pancakes with the syrup on the table before they arrive. When Raymond was feeling uncomfortable he began repeating something he heard on the radio called “Who’s On Bat”, he also demanded that his bed be by the window and that he have underwear from...
Words: 621 - Pages: 3
...Rain Man (Drama) (1988) ©1999 by Raymond Weschler Major Characters Charlie Babbitt....................Tom Cruise A young Los Angeles businessman who sells expensive sports cars. Raymond Babbitt................Dustin Hoffman A "high level" autistic man who lives in a home for the mentally disabled in Ohio (Some words on autism follow the plot summary). Susanna................................Valeria Golino Charlie's Italian girlfriend. Dr. Bruner.............................Jerry Molen The administrator who is responsible for taking care of Raymond at the Ohio home where he lives. Plot Summary Charlie is a young and struggling Los Angeles businessman who sells expensive cars for a living. One day he receives word that his father, a man with whom he had not spoken in years, had died back in Cincinnati, Ohio. Charlie returns to his childhood home to take care of his father's property, only to find out that virtually all of his dad's $3,000,000 estate was left to an unnamed person in a 'trust' (A legal document giving property to another person). After doing some investigating, Charlie learns that the trust was for a person who lived in a home for the mentally disabled near his childhood house. While exploring this institution with his girlfriend, Susanna, Charlie makes a nearly unbelievable discovery: The person to whom the trust was given is an autistic man named Raymond Babbitt, who it turns out is Charlie's older brother. Charley had never...
Words: 610 - Pages: 3
...Rain Man Genre: Comedy Actors/characters: Tom Cruise played the role of Charlie. Dustin Hoffman played the role of Charlie’s brother Raymond. Valeria Golino played the role of Charlie’s girlfriend Susanna. Background/ Setting: this movie is set in some American cities, such as Los Angels, Cincinnati and Las Vegas during 1980s. Plots/ Climax: Charlie was a car dealer in Los Angels. One day when he was on the way to Palm Springs with his girlfriend Susanna for their weekend trip, he received a phone call from his assistant Lenny, who informed him that his estranged father had died. Thus, Charlie had to cancel his trip and went to Cincinnati to attend his father’s funeral. There he learned that he received only a Buick car and several rose bushes according to his father’s will and that an unknown trustee inherited 3 million dollars on behalf of a beneficiary. Through investigation, he knew that the beneficiary was actually his elder brother, whose existence he had never been aware of. In order to get his share of the estate, Charlie took Raymond who had autism away without permission. Charlie intended to start a custody battle to get Raymond's doctor to settle out of court for half of the estate so that the mental institution could maintain custody of Raymond. But during the course of the journey, he got to learn more about his brother. He realized that Raymond was in fact the rain man in his childhood memory who would sing songs for him when he was sad...
Words: 518 - Pages: 3
...Rain Man Introduction: The disorder that showed in the film Rain Man is called, Savant Syndrome. This is a disorder that describes a person who has mentally developmental disabilities, and is thought to be of abnormal of below average intelligence, IQ usually between 50-70. However, they have some remarkable and profound abilities that considered far in excess of normal. Various behaviors associated with Savant Syndrome: 1. Most of the Savant Syndrome patients have prodigious memory that is only focused in a particular area; they exhibit exceptional memory but have difficulty to use it. 2. Children with savant syndrome may be able to memorize extensive amounts of data in such areas as sports statistics, population figures, and historical or biographical data. 3. People with the syndrome are obsessive preoccupations with trivia, license plate numbers, maps, or obscure items. 4. Some of the patients have startling and outstanding skills with little or no previous training, these skills are usually found in one or more five major areas: art, musical ability, calendar calculation, mathematics and spatial skills. 5. People with Savant syndrome were considered to have low IQ. 6. Approximately 50 per cent of persons with savant syndrome have autistic disorder. Treatment/Programs for Savant Syndrome patients: The treatment for Savant syndrome is the same with treatment used to cure Autism. The skills of the Savant may also be used as a tool to treat...
Words: 401 - Pages: 2
...Overview of the Movie: Rain Man The movie started with a background story on Charlie Babbitt who was played by Tom Cruise. He was a car importer and was in trouble with the EPA for not having the cars up to their standards. To get away from the struggles of being around the car business and the constant phone calls of customers he decided to go on a vacation with his girlfriend Susanna to Palm Springs. On the way to Palm Springs he received a call saying his father died. Charlie and Susanna goes to Ohio to bury Charlie's father. After the burial function he met up with his fathers lawyer to discuss his inheritance. Charlie being distinct from his dad since the age of 16 was informed that he would only get his dad’s car Buick Roadmaster and Rose bushes. When Charlie heard his he got angry and wanted to find out who was entitled for his dad’s three million dollars. While on the process of finding who was unnamed person who was entitled for the three million dollars, he found out that he has a older brother and his parents kept that a secret from Charlie. He found out that he has an autistic older brother who lives in a mental institution. Charlie kidnaps his brother Raymond played by Dustin Hoffman, and tries to bring him to Los Angeles. At first Charlie was angry that no one told him about Raymond. Charlie did not understand what it means to be autistic. So, on the way to Los Angeles he got angry at Raymond for being scared of airplanes and having to watch television...
Words: 1903 - Pages: 8
...The Intention of Rain Man Film Films are not only reflected a society, but it is also influenced the society in many life aspect because of its inspiration that challenges stereotypes which give wrongful, yet negative judgement toward minorities. For example, the movie Rain Man that directed by Barry Levinson, has changed the society’s view about a savant syndrome. The film was a brilliant success and won four awards in the Oscar in 1989 including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor in the leading role for Hoffman. Besides the morality of one’s behaviors that people perceive by watching the film, the movie’s emphasis is to give people a better knowledge of the disorder due to the lack of information of the unpopular...
Words: 881 - Pages: 4
...Running head: COMPLETING THE PUZZLE Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the normal brain function. It is a disorder characterized by deficits in three major areas of behavior-social, communicative and the display of repetitive or restricted behaviors. This research paper will provide a review of people with autism spectrum disorders, including the symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and possible causes. In addition, it will describe with how it has impacted the society, families and themselves. Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Can you imagine trying to understand what your parents or peers are saying but you don’t really know what the words mean? Sometimes this can make a child very upset and frustrated just because they can’t come up with the right words to express his or her feelings or thoughts. These kids with special needs try to live their lives by learning to handle stuff that are challenging and annoying for them. People with autism can make a significant contribution to society, as well as to their families. However, having autism is generally difficult for the person themselves and their family, it also involves great financial sacrifice. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as “Autism” is a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal...
Words: 1743 - Pages: 7
...Rain man Rain man is a story about two brothers who came to know each other after the death of their father. The movie introduces Charlie Babbitt a character played by Tom Cruise mid-twenty something year old car sales man living in California. On a trip with his girlfriend who worked for him, he learns that his estranged father died and he had to settle the estate. While during the process of settling the case, Charlie discoverers that his estranged father did not leave him his substantial inheritance but instead it went to an unknown individual who leaves in an institution. Charlie through the process of finding who was entrusted with the money; he discovers his brother who he knew nothing about called Raymond. Raymond is autistic. The movie is explores the relationships, struggle, anger and understanding of family. It teaches viewers the validity of time spent with family and the growth and understanding which can manifest through the struggle. Health perception and management Raymond is a 50 something year old Autistic patient in a mental institution. Due to this health condition, he is unable to understand emotions which make it difficult to connect to people. He has a very structured lifestyle with strict meals and activities. He cannot function appropriately without structure. The patient is aware of his medical condition and he understands the significance of medication. Nutrition and metabolic pattern The patient in the movie appeared to be well nourished. He...
Words: 681 - Pages: 3
...INTRODUCTION The film Rain Man was released in 1988 and won the Best Picture academy award that same year. I chose the film because it represented a wonderful mix of story, filmmaking, acting and comedic timing. It is my assertion that acting was the most powerful element of this film and crucial for the emotional arc required from the lead actor Tom Cruise. STORYTELLING The story of Rain Man is presented in a way that keeps the viewer in the dark as the story develops; delivering surprises and plot twists along the way. Writers Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass provide an excellent framework for the actors to really shine in their portrayal of the two main characters: self centered, smooth street-smart Charlie Babbit and his institutionalized autistic savant older brother, Raymond Babbitt. We are introduced to Charlie at the start of the film and quickly understand that he is a successful import automobile broker and willing/able to do whatever is necessary to deliver his product- this even includes paying off EPA officials, if necessary. Charlie is unrelenting in his quest to accomplish his goal. When he finds out that his long estranged father has passed away, he is expecting to inherent a portion of his late father’s $3 million dollar estate; only to uncover that he has an autistic brother who has received all of the inheritance money from their late father, the irony is almost too much for Charlie. This is pure genius from a storytelling perspective as it helps to...
Words: 1470 - Pages: 6
...Autism is the most common condition in a group of five developmental disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). These include autism, Rhett’s syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). These disorders are characterized by severe and pervasive impairments’ in several areas of development. All PDD’s are neurological disorders usually evident by age three. Their intelligence quotients average at approximately 50, as compared to the average 100. Children with autism have difficulties with social interactions. They may fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact. These children start speaking later than others and may refer to themselves by name instead of “I” or “me”. They are also more likely to repeat words and reverse pronoun. Autistic individuals display many forms of restrictive behaviors, some of which include ritualistic behavior, compulsive behavior, resistance to change, etc. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms. Scientists aren’t certain as to what causes autism. There are both environmental and genetic theories. Studies have shown several genes associated with autism, strongly suggesting some families may have a predisposition to autism. In families with one autistic child, the risk of having another child with the disorder is greater than for the general population, at about one in 20 (5%). Scientists are looking for a gene...
Words: 1498 - Pages: 6
...INTRODUCTION The film Rain Man was released in 1988 and won the Best Picture academy award that same year. I chose the film because it represented a wonderful mix of story, filmmaking, acting and comedic timing. It is my assertion that acting was the most powerful element of this film and crucial for the emotional arc required from the lead actor Tom Cruise. STORYTELLING The story of Rain Man is presented in a way that keeps the viewer in the dark as the story develops; delivering surprises and plot twists along the way. Writers Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass provide an excellent framework for the actors to really shine in their portrayal of the two main characters: self centered, smooth street-smart Charlie Babbit and his institutionalized autistic savant older brother, Raymond Babbitt. We are introduced to Charlie at the start of the film and quickly understand that he is a successful import automobile broker and willing/able to do whatever is necessary to deliver his product- this even includes paying off EPA officials, if necessary. Charlie is unrelenting in his quest to accomplish his goal. When he finds out that his long estranged father has passed away, he is expecting to inherent a portion of his late father’s $3 million dollar estate; only to uncover that he has an autistic brother who has received all of the inheritance money from their late father, the irony is almost too much for Charlie. This is pure genius from a storytelling perspective as it helps to...
Words: 1470 - Pages: 6
...AUTISM Autistic individuals typically have problems processing auditory information. One auditory processing problem occurs when a person hears speech sounds but he/she does not perceive the meaning of the sounds. For example, if someone says the word ‘shoe,’ the person may hear the speech sound, but he/she does not understand the meaning of the sound. Sometimes the lack of speech comprehension is interpreted by others as an unwillingness to comply. However, the person may not be able to retrieve the meaning of the sound at that particular time. Eric Courchesne of the University of California at San Diego has found significant impairments in auditory processing in autistic individuals using P300 brain wave technology (see Courchesne, 1987 for a review). The P300 brain wave occurs 300 milli-seconds after the presentation of a stimulus. (The ‘P’ refers to the positive polarity of the brain wave.) The P300 is associated with cognitive processing, and this brain wave is considered an indication of long-term memory retrieval (Donchin, Ritter, & McCallum, 1978). Edelson et al. (1999) examined auditory P300 activity prior to and three months following auditory integration training (AIT). Three autistic individuals participated in the experimental AIT group and two autistic individuals participated in a placebo group. Prior to AIT, all five individuals had abnormal auditory P300 activity, indicating an auditory processing problem. Three months following AIT, the results...
Words: 2051 - Pages: 9
...INTRODUCTION The film Rain Man was released in 1988 and won the Best Picture academy award that same year. I chose the film because it represented a wonderful mix of story, filmmaking, acting and comedic timing. It is my assertion that acting was the most powerful element of this film and crucial for the emotional arc required from the lead actor Tom Cruise. STORYTELLING The story of Rain Man is presented in a way that keeps the viewer in the dark as the story develops; delivering surprises and plot twists along the way. Writers Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass provide an excellent framework for the actors to really shine in their portrayal of the two main characters: self centered, smooth street-smart Charlie Babbit and his institutionalized autistic savant older brother, Raymond Babbitt. We are introduced to Charlie at the start of the film and quickly understand that he is a successful import automobile broker and willing/able to do whatever is necessary to deliver his product- this even includes paying off EPA officials, if necessary. Charlie is unrelenting in his quest to accomplish his goal. When he finds out that his long estranged father has passed away, he is expecting to inherent a portion of his late father’s $3 million dollar estate; only to uncover that he has an autistic brother who has received all of the inheritance money from their late father, the irony is almost too much for Charlie. This is pure genius from a storytelling perspective as it helps to...
Words: 1470 - Pages: 6
