Rain Man

Synopsis

Charlie Babbitt is a self-centred Los Angeles-based automobile dealer and hustler, who is at war with his own life. Relationships are not Charlie’s strong suit and love is quite outside his experience. Raymond is the elder brother Charlie never knew he had - an autistic savant who has been hidden away in an institution for most of his adult life. Raymond is dysfunctional in many senses, but ­ as Charlie is soon to discover ­ also touched with a kind of stellar genius which Charlie harnesses to save his business. The two brothers embark on a rollercoaster journey together which shows Raymond a world beyond the hospital gates and Charlie the meaning of unconditional love

Our Review:

10 November 2009

Movie to stage adaptations (and vice versa) can be problematic and unsatisfying, somehow never quite living up to the original medium. I will admit to being a Rain Man virgin, never having seen the 2008 film, starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. That may just be an advantage when reviewing the current tour adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon.

The story concerns Charlie Babbitt, an odious, egotistical car dealer on the verge of bankruptcy, who assumes that his financial problems are solved when his estranged, wealthy father dies. However, the $12 million inheritance has been bequeathed to a brother, Raymond, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. Raymond Babbitt is an institutionalised autistic savant, whose curse may be that ''he cannot forget anything''. An angry Charlie imagines his brother's condition can be exploited to his financial advantage.

The play charts the journey the brothers make - both physical, a road trip to LA after Charlie abducts Raymond f...

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Latest User Review

Keith Mould - 12 November 2009:

I loved the film but this adaptation and performances are arguably even better. This for me was the most enjoyable and stimulating evening in the theatre this year. Do not miss it!...

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