Welcome back to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast with your hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell! This episode dives deep into the heartfelt and iconic Rain Man (1988). From its award-winning performances by Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to its unique road trip narrative, we revisit this Best Picture Oscar winner to see how it holds up through modern eyes. Prepare for thoughtful discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and a whole lot of 80s nostalgia!
PLUS! This is the last episode of this season… surprise! Ha ha. We are about to take a short break like we did last year in February and March, but this year we will have some exciting REBROADCAST episodes for you while you wait for fresh new Most Excellent 80s episodes to come at you on April 2nd!
Key Takeaways:
- Unlikely Brotherly Bond: At its core, Rain Man is a moving story about connection, empathy, and personal growth. Tom Cruise’s Charlie starts as a self-absorbed car dealer but evolves into a compassionate brother through his relationship with Raymond, an autistic savant played brilliantly by Dustin Hoffman. Their cross-country journey is filled with moments of tension, hilarity, and tenderness.
- Groundbreaking Representation: We explore the portrayal of autism in Rain Man—its impact on audiences and the conversations it sparked about neurodiversity. While Hoffman’s depiction of Raymond remains a cultural touchpoint, we also critique its limitations and the trope of the “magical savant.”
- Road Trips, Rainstorms, and Redemption: The road trip format mirrors the internal transformation of its characters. Each pit stop—from counting cards in Las Vegas to intimate revelations about their shared past—brings the brothers closer together and pushes Charlie toward redemption.
- Cultural and Industry Context: Krissy and Nathan reminisce about the 80s as an era when heartfelt dramas like Rain Man dominated the box office—a stark contrast to today’s blockbuster-driven landscape. They also dive into fun facts, like how Steven Spielberg was originally slated to direct and the impact of the film’s soundtrack.
Other Topics Covered:
- Why Tom Cruise’s punchable 80s charm was perfect for this role.
- Valeria Golino’s standout performance as Charlie’s compassionate girlfriend.
- The nostalgic quirks of 80s filmmaking, from trailers to iconic soundtracks.
- A candid discussion on the ethics of actors portraying characters with disabilities.
- Memorable scenes, like the “toothpick count” and the tender dancing lesson.
- How Rain Man influenced future films and pop culture references (even The Hangover!).
Deep Cut Recommendations:
Krissy suggests The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt for its Rain Man homage and quirky humor. Nathan recommends E.T. for its focus on empathy and unlikely friendships.
Thank you for joining us on this heartfelt ride through Rain Man! Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the analysis, or just to party on with us, we’re glad you’re along for the journey. Don’t forget to like, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Keep the most excellent 80s movies motto in mind: Be excellent to each other and party on, dudes!
