The Autistic Savant, Reelive

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

What is your name?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Rain Man? Why do they call you that?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don't know.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You just said it like you know!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don't know.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Look, we’re going to get through this. Where were you born?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Cincinnati.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Cincinnati! I can't believe this! You're my brother!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don't want to go.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You're going to be okay, trust me.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don't want to go!

Counting Cards, Reelive

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You know how to count?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Count?

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Count cards, like in blackjack.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I can count.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

How many is that?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Twenty-one.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

What if they have a picture card?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

That's five.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You're a genius!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

No.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Then what are you?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I'm... Rain Man.

The Road Trip, Reelive

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You're driving me crazy. Just tell me what it is you want!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I want to go home.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

I know you want to go home! But we're going to have some fun.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Fun?

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Yes! Fun—like going to a baseball game.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don't want to go to the game.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

What do you want to do, Raymond?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Count cars.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Count cars?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Red ones are my favorite.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Alright, we can count cars.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Okay.

Lost in the World, Reelive

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Do you know how it feels to be left alone?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don’t know.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

I feel lost sometimes.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

What does that mean?

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

It means I don’t know what to do.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I know what to do.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

What is it?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Count.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Count what?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Anything.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

That's it, huh?

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Yes.

Kicking the Habit, Reelive

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You have to help me, Ray.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Help with what?

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

I need money... we can win!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

I don't want money.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

You don’t understand—it’s about the thrill.

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

The thrill is dangerous.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Dangerous? I can handle it!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

Then we will get lost.

Charlie Babbitt
Charlie Babbitt

Look, I won't let that happen!

Raymond Babbitt
Raymond Babbitt

You won’t win.

Raymond Babbitt

I'm an excellent driver.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I don't want to talk to you. You're not my brother.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Charlie Babbitt

What is a 'rain man'?

Charlie Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

Every day, for a year, I counted to 100. Today, I counted to 10.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

You’re in my face! You’re too close! Back off!

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I’m not a moron.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I like to watch 'The People's Court.'

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

K mart sucks.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I’m going to drive the car.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Charlie Babbitt

I was always in love with you.

Charlie Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

Four minutes to Wapner.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Charlie Babbitt

I’m going to take care of you.

Charlie Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I don’t want to go to Vegas!

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Charlie Babbitt

You can't go to Vegas without me.

Charlie Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I want a Tic Tac!

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I'm sorry, I can't stop the rain.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I'm not going to hurt you.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I can count. I can count very well.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I’ll see you in the morning.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

Yeah, I’m a little bit of a genius.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

My favorite place is the bathroom.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Charlie Babbitt

I'm your brother, I’m your brother.

Charlie Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

You don’t look like a loser.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I’m special.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

I can't stand people.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive
Raymond Babbitt

You’re going to give me stress.

Raymond Babbitt

Rain Man, Reelive

Iko Iko

Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups, Playing in the car during road trip scenes

Joy to the World

Joy to the World by Three Dog Night, Scene where Charlie and Raymond travel cross-country

Route 66

Route 66 by Bobby Troup, Played as they drive along the famous highway

Danny Boy

Danny Boy by Various Artists, Notable emotional scene involving family

The Boy from Ipanema

The Boy from Ipanema by Getz/Gilberto, In hotel scenes showcasing the characters' personalities


Download App

The Reveal of Raymond's Abilities

In a tense moment, Charlie discovers Raymond's exceptional memory when they visit a casino. Charlie is initially frustrated by Raymond's quirks, but when Raymond accurately counts cards and remembers every detail of a hotel room, Charlie realizes the depth of Raymond's abilities. This pivotal moment shifts Charlie's perspective on Raymond, moving from annoyance to fascination.

Context: This scene builds up from Charlie's struggle to understand his estranged brother. The revelation here not only showcases Raymond's unique talent but also sets the stage for the bond that will later develop between the brothers.

The Road Trip Experience

As Charlie and Raymond embark on their cross-country road trip, we see a series of humorous and touching moments. Raymond insists on following his rigid routines, which frustrates Charlie but also leads to heartwarming exchanges. This trip brings them closer, with each mile traveled showcasing their contrasting personalities and deep-seated issues.

Context: This series of scenes builds up their relationship after years apart. The road trip symbolizes their journey, both physically and emotionally, illustrating the growing connection and the challenges they must face together.

The Ice Cream Scene

While stopping at an ice cream shop, Charlie tries to bond with Raymond. When Raymond orders his favorite flavor, the simplicity and joy of this moment contrast with the complexities of their lives. The innocence of Raymond enjoying his ice cream highlights the childlike aspects of his personality while reminding Charlie of what they’re missing.

Context: This scene reflects the theme of finding joy in the little things and underscores Raymond's childlike nature versus Charlie's adult responsibilities. It brings a moment of levity amid the film's heavier themes.

The 'Definitely' Scene

Raymond answers questions posed by Charlie in a simple, yet poignant exchange. Charlie excitedly asks Raymond if he likes red cars, and Raymond responds by repeating, 'Definitely.' This moment showcases the simplicity of Raymond's thought process but also reflects a deeper desire for connection that Charlie yearns for.

Context: This scene is pivotal as it captures the essence of their relationship—Charlie’s longing for understanding and Raymond's unchanging nature. It underscores the theme of communication between people with different worlds.

The Autistic Savant Reveal

In a powerful scene, Charlie learns about Raymond's savant abilities when he sees him flawlessly recite phone numbers and dates. This shocking revelation shifts Charlie’s plan for profit to a deeper understanding of Raymond's condition and what it means for both of them.

Context: This moment builds up the tension around Charlie’s motivations and his understanding of Raymond. It changes the narrative from selfish gains to a more complex brotherly bond as Charlie begins to see Raymond for who he truly is.

The Therapy Session

Raymond voices his fear of being put back into a home during a therapy session. Charlie, witnessing this honesty, is deeply affected, realizing the emotional turmoil Raymond experiences. This moment connects them on a deeper level as Charlie’s protective instincts ignite.

Context: This insight into Raymond’s feelings adds depth to his character and highlights the challenges they both face. It pivots the story towards the theme of familial responsibility and care.

The Car Scene - Unraveled Paths

In a heated moment in the car, Charlie tries to discuss their future and how they will manage their journey. Raymond's unexpected outburst about wanting to go home shows the stress of the trip and the pressure Charlie has put on them both. This emotionally charged scene showcases the raw reality of their experiences.

Context: This moment serves as a turning point for Charlie’s realization about the emotional burden he's been carrying for both of them. The theme of isolation vs. connection becomes quite clear here.

The Fire Alarm Scene

In a dramatic turn, a fire alarm sounds in the hotel, and Raymond’s meltdown illustrates his struggle with overwhelming sensory information. Charlie’s rushed attempt to keep Raymond calm shows his growing understanding of his brother’s needs, and the urgency peaks as the alarm adds chaos to the moment.

Context: This scene demonstrates the struggle with autism in a visually and emotionally compelling way. It reinforces the need for patience as well as care when dealing with mental health issues.

The Vegas Gamble

As they sit at the blackjack table, Raymond’s talent shines, earning them a significant amount of money. The tension escalates as Charlie grapples with both the excitement of winning and the morality of using Raymond’s abilities for financial gain. This moment solidifies Charlie’s growing attachment to Raymond.

Context: This sequence heightens the stakes for Charlie, illustrating the conflict between his selfish desires and his moral responsibilities towards Raymond.

Emotional Confrontation

After a heated argument, Charlie expresses his frustration over Raymond’s lifestyle, shouting about how they can't return to 'just being brothers.' Now understanding more about Raymond, he breaks down, showing both anger and heartbreak. Raymond’s response of simple confusion underlines the emotional disconnect but also reveals his innate ability to sense Charlie's hurt.

Context: This is a critical moment where emotions peak, reflecting not only the pain of their past but the struggle to create a new relationship. It underscores the film's exploration of brotherly love despite misunderstandings.

The Airport Scene

When they arrive at the airport, Raymond struggles with being in a crowded space, triggering another emotional breakdown. Charlie’s determination to stay with Raymond reflects both their bond and the themes of support and love. The visuals of the bustling airport create a stark contrast to Raymond's distress.

Context: This scene encapsulates the ongoing battle between external chaos and internal peace, emphasizing the support that Charlie offers Raymond as he learns to navigate the world around him.

The Reunion Moment

In the climactic moment, Charlie attends a meeting to advocate for Raymond’s care. The emotional weight of their shared history comes crashing down as Charlie fights for what he believes is right—not for himself, but for Raymond. It’s a heartfelt appeal, filled with raw honesty and vulnerability.

Context: This moment solidifies Charlie’s growth throughout the film, shifting from self-interest to advocacy for his brother. It represents a new level of brotherly love and responsibility.

The Goodbye at the Institution

As Charlie prepares to say goodbye after realizing a painful truth about their relationship, the emotional weight is palpable. Raymond, unsure but sensing the gravity of the moment, expresses a feeling of abandonment. Charlie's struggle is evident as he faces the reality of their relationship.

Context: This bittersweet moment encapsulates the contradiction of love and loss, underscoring the film's central theme of family bonds and the sacrifices involved.

The Train Station Farewell

In a touching farewell scene at the train station, Raymond stares at Charlie with an expression full of confusion and sadness, both realizing they are parting ways yet again. The simplicity of their bond shines through, evoking profound empathy as they separate.

Context: This moment resonates deeply, as it reflects the theme of connection amidst separation—showing not just a fractured relationship but a hope for understanding.

The Hospital Scene

When Raymond is hospitalized, Charlie's emotional breakdown signifies the weight of their relationship. He confronts his fears of losing Raymond, showcasing vulnerability and the depth of his care. It’s a raw moment that humanizes Charlie’s character.

Context: This scene illustrates the harsh reality of caring for someone with a disability, emphasizing the theme of sacrifice and the visceral fear of losing a loved one.

The Flashback Montage

A montage of flashbacks reveals pivotal childhood moments between Charlie and Raymond, offering insight into their past relationship. We see the seeds of misunderstanding sown early on, emphasizing the complexity of familial relationships and the emotional weight of lost time.

Context: This montage offers a deeper understanding of their characters, helping the audience empathize with their situation and enhancing the themes of nostalgia and regret.

The Lottery Win

When Charlie learns about the lottery winnings he could unlock with Raymond’s abilities, his intentions are clouded. The moment captures the intertwining themes of greed and familial loyalty, as Charlie wrestles with exploiting Raymond’s talents versus caring for him.

Context: This moment heightens the stakes for Charlie, emphasizing his internal struggles and hinting at the moral dilemmas he faces throughout the film.

The Talking on the Phone Scene

While Charlie converses with Raymond over the phone, we witness a glimpse of their relationship growing more complex as they discuss their feelings in a way that reflects both their frustrations and affections. It highlights their journey toward newfound understanding.

Context: This scene signifies a turning point in their relationship, moving beyond simple interactions to more profound discussions that resonate with the audience.

The Goodbye Hug

In one of the final moments, Charlie embraces Raymond tightly, both aware of the emotional weight this moment carries. Their simple hug encapsulates a multitude of feelings—love, loss, and renewal—leaving both characters open to what the future may bring.

Context: This moment emphasizes the culmination of their journey together, highlighting themes of hope, acceptance, and the power of brotherly love.

The Coming Home Scene

As the movie concludes, Charlie returns home, reflecting on the events they faced during their journey. There’s a moment of silence that hints at the potential for growth as he adjusts to life without Raymond, while still cherishing the bond they forged.

Context: This scene signifies immense personal growth for Charlie as he recognizes the importance of family and the lessons learned. It underlines the theme of growth through adversity.

The Last View

In the final shot, we see Raymond going about his day, unchanged yet significant in how he influences those around him. Charlie watches from a distance, a bittersweet smile on his face—indicative of the profound impact Raymond has had on his life.

Context: This ending leaves viewers with a sense of hope and reflection, suggesting that every life has intrinsic value, regardless of societal challenges.


Download App

Original Casting

Initially, the role of Raymond Babbitt was offered to several other actors, including Dustin Hoffman, who was not the first choice for the character. Initially, Bill Murray was considered for the role before Hoffman finally got it.

Why it matters: This casting change ultimately shaped the film's narrative; Hoffman brought an authentic portrayal of autism, which became a crucial element of the film's success and emotional depth.

Hoffman's Research

Dustin Hoffman engaged deeply in research to prepare for his role, even meeting with real-life individuals with autism to better understand their experiences and behaviors.

Why it matters: His commitment to authenticity not only influenced his performance but also helped raise awareness of autism, making Raymond Babbitt a memorable and empathetic character.

On-Set Chemistry

Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman initially had a rocky relationship, but this tension translated into their on-screen chemistry as brothers.

Why it matters: The actors’ real-life dynamics played an essential role in showcasing the complexities of their characters’ relationship, enhancing the film’s emotional core.

Innovative Use of Music

The film's score, composed by Hans Zimmer, includes the iconic use of the song 'I Can't Take My Eyes Off You,' which is played in a poignant scene during the road trip.

Why it matters: The careful placement of the song deepens the emotional resonance of that scene, making it a memorable moment that intertwines comedy and heart.

Authenticity in Wardrobe

The wardrobe for Raymond Babbitt was carefully chosen to reflect his character's quirks, featuring outfits he would be comfortable in, such as his trademark blazer and slacks.

Why it matters: These wardrobe choices contributed to the authenticity of Hoffman's portrayal by aligning with Raymond’s character traits and routines.

Crossing the Country

The film was shot in a variety of locations across the United States to create the road trip experience, with actual highways and landmarks featured prominently.

Why it matters: This decision enhanced the realism of the brothers’ journey, allowing audiences to feel the physical and emotional distances they were navigating.

The Phone Scene

The scene where Raymond recites card information from memory was filmed in one take, showcasing Hoffman's ability to live in the character's mindset.

Why it matters: This not only highlighted Raymond's exceptional abilities but also underscored the importance of Hoffman’s dedication to capturing the nuances of his character.

Script Changes

Significant changes were made to the script during filming, particularly to enhance the character development of Charlie Babbitt, portrayed by Tom Cruise.

Why it matters: These changes allowed Cruise to explore a more complex emotional arc, deepening the audience’s connection to his character.

Dustin's Elimination of Script

Dustin Hoffman eliminated much of the dialogue from Raymond’s character to avoid over-explaining his mental state, focusing instead on subtler expressions.

Why it matters: This choice contributed to a more profound understanding of autism through visual storytelling rather than exposition, creating space for interpretation.

Method Acting

Hoffman’s method acting approach led him to live similarly to Raymond Babbitt on and off set, influencing even his social interactions.

Why it matters: This dedication enriched the authenticity of his performance, making the character's quirks feel genuine and relatable to audiences.

Road Trip Realism

For scenes involving driving, Cruise and Hoffman insisted on using real cars to amplify the authentic feel of the road trip.

Why it matters: This commitment to realism infused the scenes with spontaneity, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Influential Director

Director Barry Levinson encouraged the actors to improvise during key scenes, particularly during their conversations to create a more organic interaction.

Why it matters: This creativity fostered a natural rapport, which ultimately made the brotherly dynamic more believable and engaging.

Final Cut Choices

The final cut of the film was 133 minutes, but several scenes were trimmed to maintain pacing and focus on the central themes of family and connection.

Why it matters: These editing choices ensured that the film stayed compelling, highlighting critical character development while removing distractions.

Cultural Impact of Speech

The film’s depiction of autism led to an increased discussion about the spectrum in popular culture, influencing perceptions significantly at the time.

Why it matters: This awareness contributed to a lasting legacy that paved the way for further discussions and more nuanced portrayals of autism in media.

Last-Minute Mapping

The route taken by the brothers in the film was meticulously mapped out, reflecting a realistic journey across America as they visited multiple states.

Why it matters: The intentional mapping deepened viewers' understanding of the physical and emotional journey of the characters, emphasizing the theme of discovery.

Famous Line Improvisation

Tom Cruise improvised the famous line, 'I’m an excellent driver,' during one of the road trip scenes, making it a highlight in the film.

Why it matters: This moment became iconic, showcasing Cruise’s ability to enhance his character's bravado while adding a layer of humor.

Touching Friendship

The off-camera relationship between Hoffman and Cruise developed into a genuine friendship, allowing for an authentic portrayal of brotherly love on-screen.

Why it matters: This emotional foundation added depth to their performances, making their relationship more believable and compelling to audiences.

Subtle Message of Memory

The film subtly highlights the power of memory through Raymond’s ability to recall intricate details, providing a poignant commentary on relationships and connections.

Why it matters: This deeper message enriches the narrative, prompting viewers to reflect on their own familial connections in light of memory.

Experience in Psychology

The film's producers consulted with psychologists and specialists in autism to ensure the portrayal was both accurate and sensitive.

Why it matters: This collaboration strengthened the screenplay, resulting in a story that resonated with both audiences and experts, enhancing its credibility.

Film Awards Success

Rain Man won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hoffman, cementing its place in cinematic history.

Why it matters: Its accolades serve as a testament to the quality of the storytelling and the immense impact of the performances on the audience and industry.

Use of Real Locations

Many scenes were filmed in real locations, including Las Vegas, which brought a genuine atmosphere to the film’s climactic events.

Why it matters: Using real places immersed viewers in the acts being presented, enhancing the film's credibility and emotional stakes.

A New Understanding of Autism

Raymond Babbitt's character led to improved understanding of autism in the general public, with conversations and perspectives evolving post-release.

Why it matters: This development underscored the film's significance as more than entertainment—it sparked social discourse on disability representation in film.

A Mark on Cinematic History

The film's success inspired a wave of films tackling themes of disability and neurodiversity, creating a new genre in Hollywood.

Why it matters: This legacy has influenced countless filmmakers and spawned conversations about authenticity in storytelling, pushing for more varied narratives.


Download App

The Social Media App for Movie & TV Enthusiasts
👉 Reelive App 👈

No mods, no censorship—just a space to relive epic movie moments. Like Reddit, but made for movie lovers.

Download App

Moulin Rouge!

The Usual Suspects

A Bittersweet Life