A bonus episode for autism awareness month. Rain man. The first portrayal of autism in film and one of my favourites of all time. This film brought mainstream awareness to autism at a time it was poorly understood. Although overtime there is more nuanced discussions to be had. This film shows how terrible misunderstanding and treatment people on the spectrum in the 20th century. It highlights the difficulties families can face particularly in this time period of institutionalization and shame. This film also shows the beauty of autism and some of the amazing things that people on the spectrum bring to our world. Dustin Hoffman’s brilliant performance is based on real people he worked with for over a year in order to portray Raymond with the respect and accuracy he deserved. He thanked the men he based his performance on in his acceptance speech for their work. Dr Ruth Sullivan consulted on the film to assist with the portrayal of autistic individuals and their experiences. Although through a 2025 lens we can discuss the importance for more diverse portrayals of autism across the spectrum, the implications of the term “savant” and having a non autistic actor in the role. At the time this film was the first, and still is one of the only films to have an autistic character protagonist. As a proud family member of the most beautiful individual with autism this film touches my soul in a way I can’t explain. I’m so grateful to have such a beautiful story available to the public. Please enjoy this bonus episode. This month, and every month please bring awareness, kindness and curiosity to autism. Advocate for people on the spectrum and their families. Let’s do better in cinema going forward to amplify the voices of people on the spectrum and have more nuanced portrayals.
Below are the references I used to gather information about the episode. As always all opinions are my own.
Levinson, Barry, dir. 1988. Rain Man. United States: MGM/UA Communications Co.
Oscars. 2010. “Dustin Hoffman Wins Best Actor | 61st Oscars (1989).” YouTube. January 4, 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErqHXzhSuv4.
Rensin, David. 1989. “Director Barry Levinson on Making ‘Rain Man’ Starring Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman.” Rolling Stone. January 12, 1989. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/barry-levinson-on-the-making-of-rain-man-66029/.
“Siskel & Ebert - Rain Man.” 2009. Www.youtube.com. July 7, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdGn7ZNasKs.
Wikipedia Contributors. 2019. “Rain Man.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. October 15, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man.
