Rain Man - 1988 (Raymond Babbitt)

Rain Man - 1988

Raymond Babbitt

Name: Raymond Babbitt - Played by Dustin Hoffman (Based on Kim Peek)

Who is Kim Peek:

Kim Peek (born 11/11/1951) was a diagnosed Savant Syndrome sufferer (A rare condition in which the person has one area of expertise, but suffers in others) Kim had an extraordinary case of photographic memory, but suffered extremely with socialising with others. Kim Peek was the main inspiration for the film Rain Man, however, their lead character, Raymond Babbitt suffered from FG Syndrome. Kim Peek was 37 when the film was released and became well known amongst the local community, who were said to embrace him. The film was said to help others understand the difficulties associated with having the disorder, but show it in a light which wasn't too depressing. Kim Peek died in 2009 after suffering a heart attack at the age of 58.

Rain Man

The disabled person as pitiable or pathetic:
The portrayal of Raymond Babbitt during the film, gave me a pitiable message. This was down to the fact that Raymond severely suffered with socialising with others, and some took advantage of that. However, Raymond was particularly good with numbers and statistics, and took advantage of his photographic memory, in which people were amazed by.
An object of curiosity or violence:
During the film, Rain Man, Raymond is seen as a object of curiosity and is not at all used at a centre of violence. People saw Raymond as a wonder, and perhaps in some parts, came across too patronising. However, due to some peoples lack of knowledge about the disorder, some people felt he was ignorant, when it was down to his lack of social skills.
Laughable:
The film portrays Raymond as a likable character which makes the audience feel sympathetic for the position in which Raymond finds himself in. However, there are some parts of the film which aren't too sinister, and enable us to find the comical side to some parts in which Raymond would find difficult. I think this helps the audience understand the syndrome, and enhances the message in which the film is trying to show.
As a burden:
The film tries to show the syndrome, not as a burden, but something which people have to live with, and adjust to. The main burden which the film shows is the burden on his family. This is because the can sometimes get frustrated with Raymond, and have to remember he isn't the same as them, and may not be able to understand in the way 'normal' people do. It doesn't seem to be a burden on Raymond, because he has lived like that all his life, and doesn't know any different.
Being unable to participate in daily life:
Raymond is shown in the film, as being a active person, who tries to participate in as many activities in which he can do. However, we do see that the syndrome is holding him back in many activities. This is mainly down to the social side, and with him being so attached to his Dad. However, Raymond does try to live his life to the best of his abilities, and it changes the perception of others with the syndrome, and helps spread the message, that they try and do their best at most things, however patience is required by other people around him.