I remember reading that Dustin Hoffman befriended people with Asperger’s to better understand his character but also this syndrome. It’s because of that that he was able to portray even the subtle symptoms so well and I really commend him for that. Great actor and great film
Something that I think might be good to mention is that Dustin's performance (and possibly the film in general) is inspired by Kim Peek (known as "The Real Rain Man"). So much so, that Dustin, and later the screenwriter of the film as well, gave Kim the Oscar that he won (the screenwriter donated it in tribute after Peek's death). What's interesting is that Kim Peek is not thought to have had autism, though he was a savant. Peek actually probably had FG syndrome, a developmental condition that greatly affects brain structure. Peek had a number of savant talents - his memory for certain details was famous. He used to get people to tell him their birth date, and Peek could tell them what day of the week it was, what the weather report was that day, and what the headlines in the newspapers were. He could also recall gigantic strings of numbers. Another interesting trait was that when he was reading a book his left eye would read the left-hand page and his right eye would read the right-hand page simultaneously, and he would actually be able to process it. He also remembered every word he ever read.
I barely talk about my autism in public due to some people trying to baby me or patronize me when they find out. A elderly couple held me tight and told me "you will overcome your DISEASE". It was so uncomfortable.
@@jeremycomfort5464 They come from an era where they still thought it was curable. The fact that they accepted him enough to hug him is kind of heartwarming, but at the same time that'd even make me uncomfortable, and I'm not autistic.
I went to school with someone who behaved a lot like Rainman (minus the incredible wealth of knowledge ofc). He was verbal but had great difficulty communicating and expressing himself, prone to random violent outbursts. One thing I remember fondly about him was when his mind would wander from schoolwork as it often would he would always say "BANDICOOT" in a loud excited tone. He couldn't wait to get home and play crash lol
I didn't scream it out loud but this was me with the Jackie Chan adventure cartoon I would literally wait for the bell and SPRINT ALL THE WAY HOME like a maniac to watch it. I wouldn't trade it for the world, I love that show :) and it taught me about meditation, astral projection, remote viewing, and such from a very young age.
Should have played it up to sell more vehicles, people would have found it cute and endearing. Most probably wouldn't try to haggle the price to harshly with you while the rest would assume they could pull one over on you. No matter what, it was a win win.
My GF and I watched Rain Man about a year ago for the first time and we came to a lot of the same conclusions. What surprised us the most however is the ultimate ending in which Charlie rails against the treatment and sheltering/infantilizing the doctors do to Raymond. The idea of that advocacy in such a dated film really took us by shock.
Makes sense though since the creators did their research, and the film being based on 2 different real people with autism likely gave them some great insight. Dustin Hoffman has been described as a very empathic person so his study of autistic people and their families likely helped a lot too. There were people even in the 70s and 80s who were upset with the treatment of autistic people, my grandma was a nurse in a psych ward in the 60s and 70s and said plenty of the people there should have been "out in the real world rather than locked away" because some were intelligent people capable of living a normal life but were treated like children or prisoners. She had an experience similar to One Flew Over the Cuckoos nest and left the psych ward (which she disliked) to work in oncology (which she loved), there was even someone who was like the Chief who ended up smashing out a window to escape only the psych ward used to be on the top floor so he fell 4+ stories onto concrete and died.
I was the sole caretaker for my autistic brother for nearly 13 years, and watching this movie for the first time as an adult made me feel like home, especially since my brother moved into a group home recently. It felt like I was watching someone live my life as a caretaker sibling for the first time ever, and I laughed many times. I know I've said, "I gotta call you back. He's rocking and moaning again." More times than I can count, but that's because my brother DOES require a lot of attention. However, there were moments when Charlie's ignorance made me reflect on my own, too, and I wish I could go back in time and have been less of a jerk when what my brother needed was compassion.
I just found out my 2 year old is Autistic (not surprising as I have severe OCD) so these videos are gonna be very helpful to me as he grows and learns. Thank you
I think the best thing you can do for autistic people is drop any preconceptions of what you think they should enjoy based on society’s expectations. For example, I turn 50 years old next week… and all everyone asks me is whether I’m having a big party to celebrate. The answer is: no, I cannot stand parties or social gatherings. And then there’s this back and forth where people say “oh but you must, it’s a big occasion” or “oh, that’s so sad”… as if I’m missing out on some essential experience. My mother at least stopped throwing big birthday parties for me after my 6th birthday (where I had a spectacular meltdown), and instead my mum & dad would get a babysitter for my younger brothers, and take me out for a meal on my own.
The movie Miss Congeniality (2000) mentions Rain Man in a negative light. One of the beauty contestants Cheryl Franser gave a awkward answer to a question she was asked in front of an audience, which she felt ashamed off. She later told the lead character she 'sounded like a female version of Rain Man.' obviously meant as a derogitory way. I didn't get what she was saying back then but I do now.
As another person with autism i especially relate to the facial expression thing. Almost every time I'm having an amazing day someone would always come up to me and see if I was ok. Apparently when I'm having a really great day my facial expression shows the exact opposite. There was also a time where I was getting a health checkup as part of a job interview and the nurse kept telling me to "get rid of the attitude" despite me explaining that I didn't have one and was just trying to answer all the questions. She kept insisting that I would have to drop the attitude or I wouldn't get the job. Well I did get the job but I didn't show up when I was supposed to start cause if thats how I was to be treated then I wanted no part of it. I would love more content regarding autism as, while I'm biased, I find it all very fascinating and love discussing the subject. But I understand if you'd like to prioritize the growth of your channel.
I don't usually leave comments but I thought I'd finally interact a little. I'm autistic and after recently receiving my diagnosis (and my mother realizing she wasn't crazy for noticing something different about me), my mother naturally got over excited with a supportive intent and went searching for any media with autistic characters. I've known about Rain Main for years but only sat down and watched it sometime last year. I will admit that the film was enjoyable and both my mother and I shed a few tears. But my biggest issue with the film is the vague distinction between autism and savant syndrome. Despite both conditions being mentioned, I assume autism is a more well-known term and therefore all symptoms presented in the movie get lumped together into one condition. Being autistic of course doesn't mean I have amazing skills and can remember each word from a book. I'm actually pretty forgetful and I'm awful at math. But because Rain Man has such a large presence, I found that this misinterpretation and stereotypes made it significantly more difficult to get my diagnosis. Rain Man was overal a good film, and as someone who understands that savant syndrome isn't automatically paired with autism, I was able to enjoy the movie quite a bit. But I know that not all people have this knowledge and may misunderstand which symptoms presented are aligned with each condition. I just wished that a little more consideration had been put into that topic and thought it would have been nice. I hope to see it improve in future media. So sorry for such a long comment, but I adore all your videos! I was very excited for this video and you definitely didn't disappoint.
The idea that I was neurodivergent never occurred to me until later in life. As for me I it is an insufficiency diagnosed anxiety disorder related to a visual processing disorder (a type of visual Agnosia), those taken together do present like autism to many people. It isn't easy living like this, so thank you for sharing your struggles. Many of us go with something similar.
I was a social butterfly in school, through most of my teens, in my late 20's now I feel completely lost and alone. I don't know why, or what is wrong. Sometimes i think it may be autism, sometimes I think it may be depression, but man, it is not getting better or easier.
I sometimes wonder if I could be on the spectrum, a lot of things about myself would make more sense to me if I was. To the point I honestly think there's a decent chance I am. I want to see a doctor and discuss it, but don't wanna be judged by my family and friends, especially if I'm wrong and I'm not on the spectrum. I feel like they'd understand if I was, but I'd be ridiculed for thinking I was if I'm not.
Man a person speaking on something that no one fully understand partly because the world is ignorant to it and yourself , so it compelled you to make a video to speak up for those like yourself is dealing with it ? Great video content here . As a so called black man if I was to pull in all the media of just movies and how they depict us and made a video......... Man listen I'd be sitting on gold lol. But all in all this is very informative and helps me understand just a bit better and hopefully empathize more
I hope finally realising I've been discriminated against because of my autism all my life (I pass on victimhood, so I didn't want to see it), will help me understand people of color better. Or just people being discriminated against in general. I think it does and for that, I'm grateful. Now, I try to empathise with other wronged groups of people, because I'm no longer afraid of being oblivious and insensitive. I really do understand now and I want to connect and support more people as a result, not just my fellow autistics.
I absolutely LOVE the depiction of the black man in Black Dynamite. Have you seen it? It's sooo over the top! That actor is actually a martial arts trainer for other action heroes, like Jean Claude van Damme for instance. Blaxploitation may also be a stereotypical depiction of "being black", but man do I love that stuff.
I very much appreciate your videos on ASD and Aspergers. I was diagnosed at a young age and often struggle to pick up on social queues. Content like yours has helped me immensely to understand myself better so that I can overcome some of the pitfalls of this condition. Thank you for being open to return to this type of content as is within reason.
Thank you for making these videos about your autism experience Max. I've always been immediately and painfully aware of incongruities. Visual, auditory and tactile. Not just pattern and pitch, but really anything out of place. People often tell me I look pained. I guess I'm just uncomfortable being part of a society I can't relate to and don't fully grasp no matter how much I try. Your candor about your struggles and motivation are refreshing and inspiring to me.
I feel like a lot of the traits you talked about I have or had to a worse degree when I was a child. Especially speaking in a monotone, not making eye contact, and having a non-expressive face. I even see pictures of me with my wife where I was happy and it looks like I was frowning. I can't smile for a camera. I never got diagnosed as when I was a child the only autism that people were aware of was the severe kind. When I told my mom that I thought I had aspergers after watching a documentary about it, her response indicated that she couldn't comprehend the concept of an autism spectrum and that the diagnosis if I could get it would do nothing but bring stigma. As an adult I don't see how a diagnosis can help, as I didn't find much specific help when diagnosed with ADHD. In real life I am not keen to tell people that I may have a condition, and if most of the help available is self-help then I would not see the point.
I think it's pretty badass you decided to make a video on this subject regardless of any risk with regards to the aLgOrItHm not recommending or w/e. I was diagnosed with Asperger's myself as a teenager. Always worked really hard to appear as normal as I could, practicing with like acting skills, figuring out the normal social patterns as is expected of you - it's exhausting. The issue with sort of "getting by" is that, once you do fall flat on your face, there's not really any backup there since when you seek help official support's gonna go "Uhhh well from history looks like you've been functioning well enough soooo good luck with that". Then again, I do actually want to get by and like not just sit at home twiddling thumbs, I'd like to be useful. I feel like most people on the spectrum could provide us all with so much more value. There's this thing called the Social Model of Disability which I think is hugely interesting especially with regards to the complex problems we have today. We could really use those diverse minds to get to the problem solving. Temple Grandin also did some interesting talks, on how you could stretch an autistic a bit to get out of their comfort zone (NOT throwing them in to the deep end, but STRETCH) and I feel as long as the social environment is ok with the weirdness and doesn't try to force anybody with autism in too much of any rigid way of behaving or working, then we would all benefit. It'd be a win-win
doctors can be retarded like that. They'll make it hard or impossible to get help and once they see you get by without help, even if you're struggling greatly just to survive, they'll say "well you can get by on your own". They often have an all or nothing view: either you're hopeless and helpless or you're fine on your own
I have a friend who is treated differently because people assume that they have asperger. I'm not sure if it's because of the Rain Man movie or other factors, but they have to deal with other people 'baby talking' to them. There's me and few others who talk to him normally, but we gringe when we notice that his close relatives treat them like lesser being. I've tried my best to ask them to stop and explain that he can understand everybody clearly, but just has problems with social aspects of life. Even with that said they still think that they should be assisted or helped with 'clear and articulated speech' since he has a disorder. I guess these relatives lumps aspergers or autism under the same blanket as having a down syndrome. After watching the Rain Man I feel that the movie doesn't help the people who has the savant-esc side of the autism since they fail to express a lot of nuanced things. It's like a Frankenstein's monster of asperger - all lumped together and stiched every potential symptom they can have in good enough package. Even if the actor potraits the symptoms and actions very well I think there should have been others from the same spectrum explaining that even if they have the same diagnose, they think Raymond is pretty extreme even by their standards. Like imagine the nurse having the diagnose and Babitt commenting her lack of facial expression or eye contact on the desk. OR instead of mental institue they would have Raymond be living in a excluded side of town alone with people from the mental institue checking on him daily. Since being in Mental Institute can express that Savants are as 'loonie' as people with other extreme mental illnesses which can be more harmful for society. Then again, the movie is early 90s product so.
Wow. I watched Rainman some 20 years ago, multiple times even, and I never once knew it was about autism. Goes to show how little I retain from movies when I watch without CC. Now I feel like I need to watch it again.
Max I love your videos Man as someone that struggles with autism myself wanting to be a writer I can understand what you must go through I've gotten through literal books that I've written in this room away cuz they weren't good enough so far I have 25 bucks now I'm published but working on that get a lot of respect for you and you're honestly killing it.
Hey I’ve been enjoying your content for a while, and I’m so terribly sorry if anyone ever make you feel bad. You work so hard and your insight better helps me look into the games I am playing. Thank you for your hard work.
I just watched the movie last night and seriously hated the ending. Like you mean to tell me Raymond finally connects after all these years with his baby brother who he clearly always loved and Charlie is learning to be good caregiver yet also has gotten Raymond to go out and experience so much more while also gaining some great skills yet they send him back to the place that just gave up on this person and treated like he was just incapable of feeling emotional connection, experiencing new things or would never able to gain some of his own independence. Like yeah lots of times Charlie had to meet Raymond where he was at but for christs sake he legit had some good old fashioned fun in Vegas of all crazy places when prior to that he was in a place for years that didn’t let you leave the grounds for more that 2 hours. It just felt like they gave him back to people who didn’t believe in what we save happen the entire film who could continue to undervalue what Raymond is capable of and felt so damn sad/make me mad as all get out. Don’t get me wrong I get that it would be really difficult to completely relocate Raymond perminantly away from people who have known him for years and Charlie still was very new to being a caregiver but I thought the car business falling through was setting up Carlie moving home to Cincinnati and having Raymond come live with him as a compromise with the doctor. Like giving Raymond freedom and letting him live with family who loves hims but still being close to the team of people who have documented time and history with Raymond to act as support and guides but also learn that Charlie actually has a point to be made as he continues to advocate for his big bro
It's a shame these kind of videos don't do well in views. My partner is autistic, she is prone to outbursts and she hits herself but also has verbal outbursts. She is also wheelchair bound as her mobility is poor. When we're out we often get people staring and comments, as young as 13 and as old as 60+. People don't know and don't understand, and it makes it worse for people with autism. For my partner, holding in her outbursts causes her physical and mental distress, so by trying to hold them in it makes them much worse. TH-cam needs more content creators who are open about mental health and personal experiences. Keep up the great work Max.
I got asbergers so I understand your struggles but you seem so well put toghether that I understand if some people forget about it once in a while. Anyway the reason I found your channel was because of asberger so yeah, keep making content. It's the best one out there & for sure & completely whitout any stereotypes what's however. A channel I can relate to.
I'm kind of an older guy, and I still marvel at this Internet creation and how, despite all of the problems that can be associated with it, it is an amazing resource for education and exposure to people, places and subject matter that wouldn't have been possible before its invention. With that said, I really appreciate this opportunity to be educated by a firsthand expert on this topic of autism that I could otherwise only get secondhand opinions about. Obviously, everyone is an individual and everyone has their good days and bad days, but at least in your case as a high-functioning autistic producing this video, it's clear to see that autism doesn't necessarily impede all autistic people's ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Your critiques of this movie, which I already enjoyed, also give me a greater appreciation for how good it is (despite the shortcomings that you pointed out). Thanks for the education.
Thank you for this video. My amazing 5 year old is on the Spectrum. He’s limited verbally. Your videos help build my perspective and educate me on the nuances of the Spectrum.
I love your video's Max, but I really appreciate that your wanting to make video's on subject matter such as this! I'll gladly watch any video you put out that talks about autism/"the spectrum" (so to speak). This video in particular was grade A+ fantastic! Keep up the incredible work! :)
There is a lot I can relate to. I do have a schedule I need to keep if I am to be active but I'm not actively going about it all the time. And because of that, I tend to fall into a depression, which I crawl myself out of rather easily because I am a realist at heart. "Being negative won't help so do something to cheer myself up." But I do still experience some of those mental breakdowns if I am met with something completely unexpected. For instance, I worked at a 7 eleven for a time and experienced my first ever social breakdown. It wasn't me acting up in a fit of anger but it sure was like a car happening in my braincells, bringing about the worst headache I've ever experienced, an experience that only lasting 5 seconds but for the woman suddenly asking me, someone without a uniform, standing behind the counter, without any warning on my second day working there, five seconds was already enough time for the damage to be done as my boss was not only too much a coward to tell me to my face I was fired, but he didn't even message me that I was fired. I was ghosted, silently taken off the schedule after my 7th day working there.
I was a kid when this movie came out. They actually filmed several scenes in the town I grew up in. Until today, I don't think I watched the whole movie since I was a kid, and I can definitely better appreciate how well it was written and how well Hoffman portrayed the character of Raymond. One of my nephews is autistic, and he has certainly behaviors which mirror Raymond, although, as you mentioned, Rainman had an extreme version of autism. I think the movie holds up extremely well today, 35 years after its release.
Rain man has been on my list to watch for a while. guess there's no time like the present, so I'll watch it tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendation Max!
As a previous Direct Care Staff employee at that time, Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise both spent an enormous amount of time with one of the savants, and his mother Dr. Ruth C Sullivan studying his characteristics and mannerisms as well as keeping in contact with Dr. Sullivan throughout filming. Many of the things you pointed out, were indeed those that of Joe and his behavior, and were completely accurate. I worked with Joe for 6 years, as a staff member as well as his Job Coach at the Public Library. I personally think they did a wonderful job in portraying Joe.
I'm someone who has not been formally diagnosed with ASD. Largely because I grew up in a household with parents who refused to believe I might need some help in certain areas. But as I Get older and learn more about the condition and symptoms, I'm becoming increasingly convinced that I exist somewhere on the spectrum. Something as simple as difficulty making and holding eye contact has caused people to think I'm often lying to them, or that I just don't like them. Like no, guys. It's just uncomfortable to have you stare at my soul. Or hitting myself during sensory or emotional overload. My parents used to think I was suicidal because of it. But still no visits to a therapist. Anyway, to those who read this, thanks for listening. You're all beautiful people.
There still was alot of stereotypes in this movie. Sure, it was a first step to raise awareness, but it was risky to make a movie about a very misunderstood condition at the time. With that said, I get that the producer didn't mean to insult anyone. Now, may I beg you, my Lord, to Analyze Dr. Brennan from Bones? I think her character is groundbreaking, and the actress, Emily Deschanel does a great job at depicting a female autistic character that is realistic. She doesn't overdo it, but it's still clear she is on the spectrum. As an autistic woman, I think it would be worth to hear your thoughts about Dr. Temperance Brennan 😁
Im autistic, and I didn’t like the inaccuracies of how autism is portrayed, but I liked the wholesome ending with Tom Cruise actually caring about his brother. Mostly tho I just want that Buick Roadmaster.
Please analyze Data from Star Trek! I'm not even a Trekkie, but the microscopic amount of scenes with Data that I have actually watched were instantly relatable. Also, I love how the team respects him, relies on his strengths and appreciates and supports his genuine desire and struggle to understand humankind and especially, (social) emotional intelligence.
Hi Max. I stumbled onto your channel when I was on a Silent Hill kick. This video really hit home and I have now subscribed. My youngest son is on the spectrum and videos like this help me try to see things from his perspective a little better. thank you.
Really interesting analysis, thank you. My mom is retired now but spent her entire adult life working in group homes and eventually as an educational assistant. She said there was a saying amongst her peers that was something like "when you meet someone with autism, youve met one person with autism". There were obviously some recurring characteristics between them but she couldn't apply a 1 size fits all approach to all of them.
I started watching this video until you mentioned spoilers, and so I went to HBO Max and watch the movie for myself. As a person on the autism spectrum I really like this movie, and I even cries towards the end.
I actually just watched Rain Man for the first time three weeks ago as well :D Funny coincidence! Being on the spectrum myself, I did quite enjoy the movie, and I could relate to a couple of things that Raymond was going through, just in a less severe manner. But I thought that some views on autism felt a little outdated, like when that one doctor said something in the likes of "He has autism. That means he will never be able to emotionally bond with anyone." That made me a little uncomfortable because... it's just not true. Overall though, I liked the film.
I like to hear people's opinion of their favorite media, and I also like to hear people's opinion when that show/movie/video game has a character from their culture, race, religion or if that character is/was born with something(like born with autism/Asperger). And so, I thought your personal opinion of the movie Rain Man was interesting for me to hear. Keep it up :) Could you do a ''An Autistic Person Reacts to I rymden finns inga känslor(Simple Simon). It is also a movie about a guy with autism, except it was released in 2010, in Sweden.
I really value this type of content you put out. it's unfortunate that it's not picked up as readily or easily as your standard video game analysis videos but I still think your perspective is incredibly important and impactful. Anyone who takes the time to listen to you will understand and Autism deserves to be spoken of with this reverence and understanding. I have to believe the main reason this kind of video isn't as popular as your others has to do with the visceral emotions that some feel when they think of the subject matter, or they feel as if it's something they need to ignore. So many things you described were enlightening to both my own behaviors and the behaviors of my younger brothers, both of whom are autistic but non-verbal. I never really liked Rain Man as it depicts Tom Cruise's character mostly in a state of constant annoyance and struggle until he adapts to caring for his sibling, it's an understandable way to write such a character and I feel that it was a fairly good way to write them in a broad sense as it opens a most likely ignorant audience to the difficulties associated with becoming a caretaker. It splits the focus though, as you said so eloquently "it represents an extreme version of Autism and doesn't represent the condition accurately as a whole". Just yesterday my little brother had a hard day, he went through some self-harm behaviors: hitting his head, screaming, choking himself, he's started forcing his jaw to click, things like that. So when I heard you describe your own reasons for self harming behavior it was quite poignant. We think he has some issues with his teeth, like TMJ or overcrowded teeth, but he isn't able to describe his pain to us so it shows in these harmful physical behaviors, leaving us to rely on guesswork to determine what's wrong. It's very draining and painful to be a sideliner to these kind of issues when you care so much about the person suffering. Idk, I'm kinda venting a bit and being long-winded (sorry). I just really enjoy hearing your POV in pretty much any subject and I hope you make more content like this even if it isn't the most view-drawing material (at the moment at least) Don't get me wrong I've been LOVING your analysis on comparative mythology in popular media, you've inspired me to read more into Jung's works and expanded my knowledge. I didn't even know you had a history with disabilities when I found your channel a few weeks ago, I'm very thankful you are sharing your voice and gifting us with your thoughts and ideas
Thank you for your insight! This one hits close to home for me too, as I have been in a role very similar to that of Vern, with a student close to Raymonds level of cognitive abilities. The film is somewhat dated, but I relate so much to it, and it really left an impact on me. Great video!
I can’t stand labels. I wish they weren’t a thing. We are all individuals. Labelling someone with something such as ‘autism’ puts you into a box and loses your individuality, when judged by someone else. It really bothers me these days.
I watched this in the 80s and I some how identified with the chatacter although it was only 5 years ago that I finally realised I too was Autistic. Growing up back then it was not something people knew about. I was probably just seen as difficult or weird. Anyway I really like the movie and Dustin Hofman did a great job.
As an older brother with two brothers who have autism and one of them being "low functioning" but having an absolutely fantastic memory, and often being selfish towards them, this is probably the most relatable movie for me. It is really well done.
I really liked this and the Drax video, shame It doesn't get many views. It's a cool way to appreciate a kind of person without like, doing it to a real person, cuz then it would be weird, serious, too sensitive and important for this level of casualness. It's just cool to get this insight without seeing someone grit their teeth to tell their lived experience, I guess is what I'm saying.
I hadn’t rewatched Rainman since having and raising and now caring for my daughter who is diagnosed with low functioning autism, abd then finding out I’ve had high functioning autism all along, and was afraid it would be either triggering or offensive. But your insight and analysis is always so good, you were able to give me a fuller understanding. As usual, you rock!
There's a podcast by the comedian Rick Glassman called take your shoes off which is not only hilarious but it has helped me to understand what it's like for someone to have autism, OCD as well as other ways of thinking about the world. I highly recommend it
While I don't have meltdowns, at least I never had for this reason, I do feel REALLY weird when my routines are broken even in minor ways. And my routines are pretty specific, to the point of being silly. (Although not as specific as Raymond's.)
"Write what you know" springs to mind - as a person with autism who runs a YT channel it makes perfect sense that you would analyse works of fiction dealing with autism. Rain Man is a film I remember fondly from my childhood, and I have been aware for some time that the depiction of the condition there is not representative of the average person who lives with it, but i am glad to see it simply included too many symptoms in one person to be realistic instead of being purely wrong and baseless.
I’ve avoided this film since its release as, from the way Rain Man is constantly cited by other media, I imagined it would be an awful representation of autism. After watching your video, I will finally watch it.
Sometimes I wonder about myself my, but then say “well I’ve made it this far and a wife that accepts all the weird quirks” and I got a job that does that too! I don’t think I’m “normal” but I am happy, and I get to chase my dreams everyday! Didn’t think that was possible 7 years ago
Have you seen community? Danny Pudi's Abed is one of favorite characters, in all of media. i would recommend the first season, specifically introduction to film episode
You should check out the short animation film Mind My Mind. It was very confrontational en brought me to tears but was one of the best representations I've seen so far.
Im quite outspoken about my HFA and enjoy having it. Its given me an edge in many things I consider important to me. However, it has given me shortfalls in some social dynamics that I have had to overcome with some difficult lessons.
I was offended at first when I saw the movie. I thought they were making fun of autistic people. But then I learned that Dustin Hoffman did a lot of research on how some autistics behave. I now know he was playing an individual autistic person, not a straw man.
My dad actually knew rain man he was always in princeton universities library and one time he was just walking down the middle of the road and his friends told him he cant honk at him because hes rain man
As a highly self aware Autistic researcher and educator, I would like to say that we mostly lack a common understanding about social skills and points of departure with Neurotupicals not a lack of social skills neccesarily. We think of social skills and effectiveness in a different ways than most neurotypicals so its imporant to remember that in Rainman in particular and all Autistic people in general.
Try the film X + Y which has a great powerful performance from Asa Butterfield, however there is a bit of an unsettling death in the beginning. It also shows some depiction or gives visual focus to synesthesia which some people on the spectrum from my understanding can have. It’s heartwarming and tries to show the ‘positives’ and ‘negatives’ of ASD with Asa’s character and another character. Despite not a related film, They Live was underrated and great film too, so thanks for that quick mention. Stay yellow!
Great film analysis! I always enjoy your content about autism, a lot of it is very relatable. I'd be interested to know your thoughts on Adam (2009), Temple Grandin, or Brick from The Middle (that one might be tricky if you haven't seen the show). Keep up the good work!
I sometimes wonder if I'm autistic because most of my facial reactions and general responses to the mood of conversations are either calculated or something I've trained myself to do and I don't know if that's normal or not. I very rarely actually have a genuine facial expression, but people get perturbed if I don't put on the act because I have a bad case of resting bitch face.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
I remember reading that Dustin Hoffman befriended people with Asperger’s to better understand his character but also this syndrome. It’s because of that that he was able to portray even the subtle symptoms so well and I really commend him for that. Great actor and great film
I think you mean Kim Peek
@@ubermorph1000kim peek is who the director based raymond on, not who dustin hoffman was trying to portray
Something that I think might be good to mention is that Dustin's performance (and possibly the film in general) is inspired by Kim Peek (known as "The Real Rain Man"). So much so, that Dustin, and later the screenwriter of the film as well, gave Kim the Oscar that he won (the screenwriter donated it in tribute after Peek's death). What's interesting is that Kim Peek is not thought to have had autism, though he was a savant. Peek actually probably had FG syndrome, a developmental condition that greatly affects brain structure.
Peek had a number of savant talents - his memory for certain details was famous. He used to get people to tell him their birth date, and Peek could tell them what day of the week it was, what the weather report was that day, and what the headlines in the newspapers were. He could also recall gigantic strings of numbers. Another interesting trait was that when he was reading a book his left eye would read the left-hand page and his right eye would read the right-hand page simultaneously, and he would actually be able to process it. He also remembered every word he ever read.
I barely talk about my autism in public due to some people trying to baby me or patronize me when they find out. A elderly couple held me tight and told me "you will overcome your DISEASE". It was so uncomfortable.
Yo, what the hell? That's not cool of them.
@@jeremycomfort5464 They're old. |D;;;
The equivalent of them would be like saying they are going to overcome the disease of aging
@@jeremycomfort5464 They come from an era where they still thought it was curable. The fact that they accepted him enough to hug him is kind of heartwarming, but at the same time that'd even make me uncomfortable, and I'm not autistic.
Autism is my superpower.
I went to school with someone who behaved a lot like Rainman (minus the incredible wealth of knowledge ofc). He was verbal but had great difficulty communicating and expressing himself, prone to random violent outbursts.
One thing I remember fondly about him was when his mind would wander from schoolwork as it often would he would always say "BANDICOOT" in a loud excited tone. He couldn't wait to get home and play crash lol
Honestly, he was just saying what everyone was thinking.
@@wareforcoin5780 True haha
@@wareforcoin5780😀 As we autistics often do!
I didn't scream it out loud but this was me with the Jackie Chan adventure cartoon
I would literally wait for the bell and SPRINT ALL THE WAY HOME like a maniac to watch it. I wouldn't trade it for the world, I love that show :) and it taught me about meditation, astral projection, remote viewing, and such from a very young age.
based
I was a car salesman, and have autism and people would assume I was like him. Very upsetting at the time.
Should have played it up to sell more vehicles, people would have found it cute and endearing. Most probably wouldn't try to haggle the price to harshly with you while the rest would assume they could pull one over on you. No matter what, it was a win win.
Why would they assume you were like him unless you actually were?
How did they know you were tarded?
@@Vingul cause I was autistic and they didn’t know what it meant to be autistic rlly.
@@mooocowcowcowmooo nah I hated car sales anyways, it was more the coworkers than anything
My GF and I watched Rain Man about a year ago for the first time and we came to a lot of the same conclusions. What surprised us the most however is the ultimate ending in which Charlie rails against the treatment and sheltering/infantilizing the doctors do to Raymond. The idea of that advocacy in such a dated film really took us by shock.
Makes sense though since the creators did their research, and the film being based on 2 different real people with autism likely gave them some great insight. Dustin Hoffman has been described as a very empathic person so his study of autistic people and their families likely helped a lot too. There were people even in the 70s and 80s who were upset with the treatment of autistic people, my grandma was a nurse in a psych ward in the 60s and 70s and said plenty of the people there should have been "out in the real world rather than locked away" because some were intelligent people capable of living a normal life but were treated like children or prisoners. She had an experience similar to One Flew Over the Cuckoos nest and left the psych ward (which she disliked) to work in oncology (which she loved), there was even someone who was like the Chief who ended up smashing out a window to escape only the psych ward used to be on the top floor so he fell 4+ stories onto concrete and died.
I was the sole caretaker for my autistic brother for nearly 13 years, and watching this movie for the first time as an adult made me feel like home, especially since my brother moved into a group home recently. It felt like I was watching someone live my life as a caretaker sibling for the first time ever, and I laughed many times. I know I've said, "I gotta call you back. He's rocking and moaning again." More times than I can count, but that's because my brother DOES require a lot of attention. However, there were moments when Charlie's ignorance made me reflect on my own, too, and I wish I could go back in time and have been less of a jerk when what my brother needed was compassion.
I just found out my 2 year old is Autistic (not surprising as I have severe OCD) so these videos are gonna be very helpful to me as he grows and learns. Thank you
I think the best thing you can do for autistic people is drop any preconceptions of what you think they should enjoy based on society’s expectations. For example, I turn 50 years old next week… and all everyone asks me is whether I’m having a big party to celebrate. The answer is: no, I cannot stand parties or social gatherings. And then there’s this back and forth where people say “oh but you must, it’s a big occasion” or “oh, that’s so sad”… as if I’m missing out on some essential experience. My mother at least stopped throwing big birthday parties for me after my 6th birthday (where I had a spectacular meltdown), and instead my mum & dad would get a babysitter for my younger brothers, and take me out for a meal on my own.
The movie Miss Congeniality (2000) mentions Rain Man in a negative light. One of the beauty contestants Cheryl Franser gave a awkward answer to a question she was asked in front of an audience, which she felt ashamed off. She later told the lead character she 'sounded like a female version of Rain Man.' obviously meant as a derogitory way. I didn't get what she was saying back then but I do now.
This is a great analysis! I’d love to see you do a video about the atrocity that is Sheldon Cooper.
I really like your reading of this film and I'm glad I stumbled across your channel when you opening about your diagnosis.
As another person with autism i especially relate to the facial expression thing. Almost every time I'm having an amazing day someone would always come up to me and see if I was ok. Apparently when I'm having a really great day my facial expression shows the exact opposite. There was also a time where I was getting a health checkup as part of a job interview and the nurse kept telling me to "get rid of the attitude" despite me explaining that I didn't have one and was just trying to answer all the questions. She kept insisting that I would have to drop the attitude or I wouldn't get the job. Well I did get the job but I didn't show up when I was supposed to start cause if thats how I was to be treated then I wanted no part of it. I would love more content regarding autism as, while I'm biased, I find it all very fascinating and love discussing the subject. But I understand if you'd like to prioritize the growth of your channel.
I don't usually leave comments but I thought I'd finally interact a little. I'm autistic and after recently receiving my diagnosis (and my mother realizing she wasn't crazy for noticing something different about me), my mother naturally got over excited with a supportive intent and went searching for any media with autistic characters.
I've known about Rain Main for years but only sat down and watched it sometime last year. I will admit that the film was enjoyable and both my mother and I shed a few tears. But my biggest issue with the film is the vague distinction between autism and savant syndrome. Despite both conditions being mentioned, I assume autism is a more well-known term and therefore all symptoms presented in the movie get lumped together into one condition.
Being autistic of course doesn't mean I have amazing skills and can remember each word from a book. I'm actually pretty forgetful and I'm awful at math. But because Rain Man has such a large presence, I found that this misinterpretation and stereotypes made it significantly more difficult to get my diagnosis.
Rain Man was overal a good film, and as someone who understands that savant syndrome isn't automatically paired with autism, I was able to enjoy the movie quite a bit. But I know that not all people have this knowledge and may misunderstand which symptoms presented are aligned with each condition. I just wished that a little more consideration had been put into that topic and thought it would have been nice. I hope to see it improve in future media.
So sorry for such a long comment, but I adore all your videos! I was very excited for this video and you definitely didn't disappoint.
The idea that I was neurodivergent never occurred to me until later in life. As for me I it is an insufficiency diagnosed anxiety disorder related to a visual processing disorder (a type of visual Agnosia), those taken together do present like autism to many people. It isn't easy living like this, so thank you for sharing your struggles. Many of us go with something similar.
I was a social butterfly in school, through most of my teens, in my late 20's now I feel completely lost and alone. I don't know why, or what is wrong. Sometimes i think it may be autism, sometimes I think it may be depression, but man, it is not getting better or easier.
@@ZeranZeran It could be but definitely finding people to lean on has helped me.
I sometimes wonder if I could be on the spectrum, a lot of things about myself would make more sense to me if I was. To the point I honestly think there's a decent chance I am. I want to see a doctor and discuss it, but don't wanna be judged by my family and friends, especially if I'm wrong and I'm not on the spectrum. I feel like they'd understand if I was, but I'd be ridiculed for thinking I was if I'm not.
@@ZeranZeran Social butterfly my ass. That was just your delusions.
@@dividedstatesofamerica2520 lmao, what's got you so upset buddy? Atleast my delusions were good. You sound angry as a mf
Man a person speaking on something that no one fully understand partly because the world is ignorant to it and yourself , so it compelled you to make a video to speak up for those like yourself is dealing with it ? Great video content here . As a so called black man if I was to pull in all the media of just movies and how they depict us and made a video......... Man listen I'd be sitting on gold lol. But all in all this is very informative and helps me understand just a bit better and hopefully empathize more
I hope finally realising I've been discriminated against because of my autism all my life (I pass on victimhood, so I didn't want to see it), will help me understand people of color better. Or just people being discriminated against in general. I think it does and for that, I'm grateful. Now, I try to empathise with other wronged groups of people, because I'm no longer afraid of being oblivious and insensitive. I really do understand now and I want to connect and support more people as a result, not just my fellow autistics.
I absolutely LOVE the depiction of the black man in Black Dynamite. Have you seen it? It's sooo over the top! That actor is actually a martial arts trainer for other action heroes, like Jean Claude van Damme for instance. Blaxploitation may also be a stereotypical depiction of "being black", but man do I love that stuff.
I very much appreciate your videos on ASD and Aspergers. I was diagnosed at a young age and often struggle to pick up on social queues. Content like yours has helped me immensely to understand myself better so that I can overcome some of the pitfalls of this condition. Thank you for being open to return to this type of content as is within reason.
Thank you for making these videos about your autism experience Max.
I've always been immediately and painfully aware of incongruities. Visual, auditory and tactile. Not just pattern and pitch, but really anything out of place.
People often tell me I look pained. I guess I'm just uncomfortable being part of a society I can't relate to and don't fully grasp no matter how much I try.
Your candor about your struggles and motivation are refreshing and inspiring to me.
I feel like a lot of the traits you talked about I have or had to a worse degree when I was a child. Especially speaking in a monotone, not making eye contact, and having a non-expressive face. I even see pictures of me with my wife where I was happy and it looks like I was frowning. I can't smile for a camera.
I never got diagnosed as when I was a child the only autism that people were aware of was the severe kind. When I told my mom that I thought I had aspergers after watching a documentary about it, her response indicated that she couldn't comprehend the concept of an autism spectrum and that the diagnosis if I could get it would do nothing but bring stigma. As an adult I don't see how a diagnosis can help, as I didn't find much specific help when diagnosed with ADHD. In real life I am not keen to tell people that I may have a condition, and if most of the help available is self-help then I would not see the point.
I think it's pretty badass you decided to make a video on this subject regardless of any risk with regards to the aLgOrItHm not recommending or w/e. I was diagnosed with Asperger's myself as a teenager. Always worked really hard to appear as normal as I could, practicing with like acting skills, figuring out the normal social patterns as is expected of you - it's exhausting. The issue with sort of "getting by" is that, once you do fall flat on your face, there's not really any backup there since when you seek help official support's gonna go "Uhhh well from history looks like you've been functioning well enough soooo good luck with that". Then again, I do actually want to get by and like not just sit at home twiddling thumbs, I'd like to be useful.
I feel like most people on the spectrum could provide us all with so much more value. There's this thing called the Social Model of Disability which I think is hugely interesting especially with regards to the complex problems we have today. We could really use those diverse minds to get to the problem solving. Temple Grandin also did some interesting talks, on how you could stretch an autistic a bit to get out of their comfort zone (NOT throwing them in to the deep end, but STRETCH) and I feel as long as the social environment is ok with the weirdness and doesn't try to force anybody with autism in too much of any rigid way of behaving or working, then we would all benefit. It'd be a win-win
doctors can be retarded like that. They'll make it hard or impossible to get help and once they see you get by without help, even if you're struggling greatly just to survive, they'll say "well you can get by on your own". They often have an all or nothing view: either you're hopeless and helpless or you're fine on your own
I have a friend who is treated differently because people assume that they have asperger. I'm not sure if it's because of the Rain Man movie or other factors, but they have to deal with other people 'baby talking' to them. There's me and few others who talk to him normally, but we gringe when we notice that his close relatives treat them like lesser being. I've tried my best to ask them to stop and explain that he can understand everybody clearly, but just has problems with social aspects of life. Even with that said they still think that they should be assisted or helped with 'clear and articulated speech' since he has a disorder. I guess these relatives lumps aspergers or autism under the same blanket as having a down syndrome.
After watching the Rain Man I feel that the movie doesn't help the people who has the savant-esc side of the autism since they fail to express a lot of nuanced things. It's like a Frankenstein's monster of asperger - all lumped together and stiched every potential symptom they can have in good enough package. Even if the actor potraits the symptoms and actions very well I think there should have been others from the same spectrum explaining that even if they have the same diagnose, they think Raymond is pretty extreme even by their standards.
Like imagine the nurse having the diagnose and Babitt commenting her lack of facial expression or eye contact on the desk. OR instead of mental institue they would have Raymond be living in a excluded side of town alone with people from the mental institue checking on him daily. Since being in Mental Institute can express that Savants are as 'loonie' as people with other extreme mental illnesses which can be more harmful for society. Then again, the movie is early 90s product so.
Wow. I watched Rainman some 20 years ago, multiple times even, and I never once knew it was about autism. Goes to show how little I retain from movies when I watch without CC. Now I feel like I need to watch it again.
Max I love your videos Man as someone that struggles with autism myself wanting to be a writer I can understand what you must go through I've gotten through literal books that I've written in this room away cuz they weren't good enough so far I have 25 bucks now I'm published but working on that get a lot of respect for you and you're honestly killing it.
Hey I’ve been enjoying your content for a while, and I’m so terribly sorry if anyone ever make you feel bad. You work so hard and your insight better helps me look into the games I am playing. Thank you for your hard work.
I just watched the movie last night and seriously hated the ending. Like you mean to tell me Raymond finally connects after all these years with his baby brother who he clearly always loved and Charlie is learning to be good caregiver yet also has gotten Raymond to go out and experience so much more while also gaining some great skills yet they send him back to the place that just gave up on this person and treated like he was just incapable of feeling emotional connection, experiencing new things or would never able to gain some of his own independence. Like yeah lots of times Charlie had to meet Raymond where he was at but for christs sake he legit had some good old fashioned fun in Vegas of all crazy places when prior to that he was in a place for years that didn’t let you leave the grounds for more that 2 hours. It just felt like they gave him back to people who didn’t believe in what we save happen the entire film who could continue to undervalue what Raymond is capable of and felt so damn sad/make me mad as all get out. Don’t get me wrong I get that it would be really difficult to completely relocate Raymond perminantly away from people who have known him for years and Charlie still was very new to being a caregiver but I thought the car business falling through was setting up Carlie moving home to Cincinnati and having Raymond come live with him as a compromise with the doctor. Like giving Raymond freedom and letting him live with family who loves hims but still being close to the team of people who have documented time and history with Raymond to act as support and guides but also learn that Charlie actually has a point to be made as he continues to advocate for his big bro
8:58 lmao
Max, thank you for talking about subjects like this so openly. It helps me a lot.
It's a shame these kind of videos don't do well in views. My partner is autistic, she is prone to outbursts and she hits herself but also has verbal outbursts. She is also wheelchair bound as her mobility is poor. When we're out we often get people staring and comments, as young as 13 and as old as 60+. People don't know and don't understand, and it makes it worse for people with autism. For my partner, holding in her outbursts causes her physical and mental distress, so by trying to hold them in it makes them much worse.
TH-cam needs more content creators who are open about mental health and personal experiences. Keep up the great work Max.
I got asbergers so I understand your struggles but you seem so well put toghether that I understand if some people forget about it once in a while. Anyway the reason I found your channel was because of asberger so yeah, keep making content. It's the best one out there & for sure & completely whitout any stereotypes what's however. A channel I can relate to.
I love this idea for a series, i cant wait to see more
I'm kind of an older guy, and I still marvel at this Internet creation and how, despite all of the problems that can be associated with it, it is an amazing resource for education and exposure to people, places and subject matter that wouldn't have been possible before its invention. With that said, I really appreciate this opportunity to be educated by a firsthand expert on this topic of autism that I could otherwise only get secondhand opinions about. Obviously, everyone is an individual and everyone has their good days and bad days, but at least in your case as a high-functioning autistic producing this video, it's clear to see that autism doesn't necessarily impede all autistic people's ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Your critiques of this movie, which I already enjoyed, also give me a greater appreciation for how good it is (despite the shortcomings that you pointed out). Thanks for the education.
Hahaha I saw the fishsticks joke you hid in there😂
Thank you for sharing and educating people like me on this subject
Thank you for this video. My amazing 5 year old is on the Spectrum. He’s limited verbally. Your videos help build my perspective and educate me on the nuances of the Spectrum.
Thanks for the great video. I had always wondered how accurate the depiction of autism was in that movie.
I love your video's Max, but I really appreciate that your wanting to make video's on subject matter such as this!
I'll gladly watch any video you put out that talks about autism/"the spectrum" (so to speak).
This video in particular was grade A+ fantastic! Keep up the incredible work! :)
There is a lot I can relate to. I do have a schedule I need to keep if I am to be active but I'm not actively going about it all the time. And because of that, I tend to fall into a depression, which I crawl myself out of rather easily because I am a realist at heart. "Being negative won't help so do something to cheer myself up." But I do still experience some of those mental breakdowns if I am met with something completely unexpected. For instance, I worked at a 7 eleven for a time and experienced my first ever social breakdown. It wasn't me acting up in a fit of anger but it sure was like a car happening in my braincells, bringing about the worst headache I've ever experienced, an experience that only lasting 5 seconds but for the woman suddenly asking me, someone without a uniform, standing behind the counter, without any warning on my second day working there, five seconds was already enough time for the damage to be done as my boss was not only too much a coward to tell me to my face I was fired, but he didn't even message me that I was fired. I was ghosted, silently taken off the schedule after my 7th day working there.
I was a kid when this movie came out. They actually filmed several scenes in the town I grew up in. Until today, I don't think I watched the whole movie since I was a kid, and I can definitely better appreciate how well it was written and how well Hoffman portrayed the character of Raymond. One of my nephews is autistic, and he has certainly behaviors which mirror Raymond, although, as you mentioned, Rainman had an extreme version of autism. I think the movie holds up extremely well today, 35 years after its release.
Rain man has been on my list to watch for a while. guess there's no time like the present, so I'll watch it tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendation Max!
I would like to see your review of The Good Doctor. I'm curious if the character is done accurately
As a previous Direct Care Staff employee at that time, Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise both spent an enormous amount of time with one of the savants, and his mother Dr. Ruth C Sullivan studying his characteristics and mannerisms as well as keeping in contact with Dr. Sullivan throughout filming. Many of the things you pointed out, were indeed those that of Joe and his behavior, and were completely accurate. I worked with Joe for 6 years, as a staff member as well as his Job Coach at the Public Library. I personally think they did a wonderful job in portraying Joe.
I'm someone who has not been formally diagnosed with ASD. Largely because I grew up in a household with parents who refused to believe I might need some help in certain areas. But as I Get older and learn more about the condition and symptoms, I'm becoming increasingly convinced that I exist somewhere on the spectrum. Something as simple as difficulty making and holding eye contact has caused people to think I'm often lying to them, or that I just don't like them. Like no, guys. It's just uncomfortable to have you stare at my soul. Or hitting myself during sensory or emotional overload. My parents used to think I was suicidal because of it. But still no visits to a therapist. Anyway, to those who read this, thanks for listening. You're all beautiful people.
You're a good person
Thank you for your work. From one high functioning to another.
Thanks for the meme too. Was not expecting that, but all the better for it.
Max you are a lovely person. Thanks for your videos and your knowledge.
Please make more videos like these! This was great.
There still was alot of stereotypes in this movie. Sure, it was a first step to raise awareness, but it was risky to make a movie about a very misunderstood condition at the time. With that said, I get that the producer didn't mean to insult anyone.
Now, may I beg you, my Lord, to Analyze Dr. Brennan from Bones? I think her character is groundbreaking, and the actress, Emily Deschanel does a great job at depicting a female autistic character that is realistic. She doesn't overdo it, but it's still clear she is on the spectrum. As an autistic woman, I think it would be worth to hear your thoughts about Dr. Temperance Brennan 😁
Stereotypes are not synonymous with bad
@@piotr78 it depends on what group you are talking about...
@@chadnuts Stereotypes don't become less accurate because we're more sensitive around certain subjects
Ain’t that the sister of Zoe Deschanel.
Im autistic, and I didn’t like the inaccuracies of how autism is portrayed, but I liked the wholesome ending with Tom Cruise actually caring about his brother. Mostly tho I just want that Buick Roadmaster.
Please analyze Data from Star Trek! I'm not even a Trekkie, but the microscopic amount of scenes with Data that I have actually watched were instantly relatable. Also, I love how the team respects him, relies on his strengths and appreciates and supports his genuine desire and struggle to understand humankind and especially, (social) emotional intelligence.
Hi Max. I stumbled onto your channel when I was on a Silent Hill kick. This video really hit home and I have now subscribed. My youngest son is on the spectrum and videos like this help me try to see things from his perspective a little better. thank you.
today I got upset and spent maybe 20 minutes hitting my leg with a hair brush…….I just now realized that was probably a autism thing
Really interesting analysis, thank you. My mom is retired now but spent her entire adult life working in group homes and eventually as an educational assistant. She said there was a saying amongst her peers that was something like "when you meet someone with autism, youve met one person with autism". There were obviously some recurring characteristics between them but she couldn't apply a 1 size fits all approach to all of them.
As someone who was only just diagnosed as autistic myself, I can relate a lot to Rain man and your own Story. Great video!
Functioning labels are problematic too and they were also removed from the DSM 5
I started watching this video until you mentioned spoilers, and so I went to HBO Max and watch the movie for myself. As a person on the autism spectrum I really like this movie, and I even cries towards the end.
Rain man: remembers all telephone numbers
Me as a neurodivergent: doesn't even remember my own phone number 😂
I actually just watched Rain Man for the first time three weeks ago as well :D Funny coincidence!
Being on the spectrum myself, I did quite enjoy the movie, and I could relate to a couple of things that Raymond was going through, just in a less severe manner.
But I thought that some views on autism felt a little outdated, like when that one doctor said something in the likes of "He has autism. That means he will never be able to emotionally bond with anyone." That made me a little uncomfortable because... it's just not true. Overall though, I liked the film.
Not every autistic case is the same. Some of severely limited, others you can't even really tell they're autistic.
I never really understood that myth, if anything autistic people would be more emphetatic than neurotypical people
Fantastic video! It's a shame these kinds of videos aren't more popular. I very much enjoy hearing your point of view, especially on this subject.
I like to hear people's opinion of their favorite media, and I also like to hear people's opinion when that show/movie/video game has a character from their culture, race, religion or if that character is/was born with something(like born with autism/Asperger). And so, I thought your personal opinion of the movie Rain Man was interesting for me to hear. Keep it up :)
Could you do a ''An Autistic Person Reacts to I rymden finns inga känslor(Simple Simon).
It is also a movie about a guy with autism, except it was released in 2010, in Sweden.
I really value this type of content you put out.
it's unfortunate that it's not picked up as readily or easily as your standard video game analysis videos but I still think your perspective is incredibly important and impactful. Anyone who takes the time to listen to you will understand and Autism deserves to be spoken of with this reverence and understanding.
I have to believe the main reason this kind of video isn't as popular as your others has to do with the visceral emotions that some feel when they think of the subject matter, or they feel as if it's something they need to ignore.
So many things you described were enlightening to both my own behaviors and the behaviors of my younger brothers, both of whom are autistic but non-verbal.
I never really liked Rain Man as it depicts Tom Cruise's character mostly in a state of constant annoyance and struggle until he adapts to caring for his sibling, it's an understandable way to write such a character and I feel that it was a fairly good way to write them in a broad sense as it opens a most likely ignorant audience to the difficulties associated with becoming a caretaker. It splits the focus though, as you said so eloquently "it represents an extreme version of Autism and doesn't represent the condition accurately as a whole".
Just yesterday my little brother had a hard day, he went through some self-harm behaviors: hitting his head, screaming, choking himself, he's started forcing his jaw to click, things like that. So when I heard you describe your own reasons for self harming behavior it was quite poignant.
We think he has some issues with his teeth, like TMJ or overcrowded teeth, but he isn't able to describe his pain to us so it shows in these harmful physical behaviors, leaving us to rely on guesswork to determine what's wrong. It's very draining and painful to be a sideliner to these kind of issues when you care so much about the person suffering.
Idk, I'm kinda venting a bit and being long-winded (sorry). I just really enjoy hearing your POV in pretty much any subject and I hope you make more content like this even if it isn't the most view-drawing material (at the moment at least)
Don't get me wrong I've been LOVING your analysis on comparative mythology in popular media, you've inspired me to read more into Jung's works and expanded my knowledge. I didn't even know you had a history with disabilities when I found your channel a few weeks ago, I'm very thankful you are sharing your voice and gifting us with your thoughts and ideas
I hope this becomes a series
A very well thought analysis of this classic film. Thanks!
Remember watching Mozart and the Whale back when I was a kid on TV. Mostly cause of romantic side, I did find the movie overall well done.
Thank you for your insight! This one hits close to home for me too, as I have been in a role very similar to that of Vern, with a student close to Raymonds level of cognitive abilities. The film is somewhat dated, but I relate so much to it, and it really left an impact on me. Great video!
So vulnerable of you to share. Love your channel.
I can’t stand labels. I wish they weren’t a thing. We are all individuals. Labelling someone with something such as ‘autism’ puts you into a box and loses your individuality, when judged by someone else. It really bothers me these days.
Thank you for this video. I agree with you. It was nice hearing your reacts to the film being Autistic, Thank you for doing that.
I watched this in the 80s and I some how identified with the chatacter although it was only 5 years ago that I finally realised I too was Autistic. Growing up back then it was not something people knew about. I was probably just seen as difficult or weird. Anyway I really like the movie and Dustin Hofman did a great job.
As an older brother with two brothers who have autism and one of them being "low functioning" but having an absolutely fantastic memory, and often being selfish towards them, this is probably the most relatable movie for me. It is really well done.
I love the games you play and I like how you analyse them. That's why I watch your content. :D
This was great and as value my man. A neat movie too.
I really liked this and the Drax video, shame It doesn't get many views.
It's a cool way to appreciate a kind of person without like, doing it to a real person, cuz then it would be weird, serious, too sensitive and important for this level of casualness.
It's just cool to get this insight without seeing someone grit their teeth to tell their lived experience, I guess is what I'm saying.
It is important content.
Great video man I always enjoy your takes on a multitude of subjects.
I hadn’t rewatched Rainman since having and raising and now caring for my daughter who is diagnosed with low functioning autism, abd then finding out I’ve had high functioning autism all along, and was afraid it would be either triggering or offensive. But your insight and analysis is always so good, you were able to give me a fuller understanding. As usual, you rock!
There's a podcast by the comedian Rick Glassman called take your shoes off which is not only hilarious but it has helped me to understand what it's like for someone to have autism, OCD as well as other ways of thinking about the world. I highly recommend it
i like fish sticks
You like putting fishsticks in your mouth?
While I don't have meltdowns, at least I never had for this reason, I do feel REALLY weird when my routines are broken even in minor ways. And my routines are pretty specific, to the point of being silly. (Although not as specific as Raymond's.)
"Write what you know" springs to mind - as a person with autism who runs a YT channel it makes perfect sense that you would analyse works of fiction dealing with autism. Rain Man is a film I remember fondly from my childhood, and I have been aware for some time that the depiction of the condition there is not representative of the average person who lives with it, but i am glad to see it simply included too many symptoms in one person to be realistic instead of being purely wrong and baseless.
I’ve avoided this film since its release as, from the way Rain Man is constantly cited by other media, I imagined it would be an awful representation of autism. After watching your video, I will finally watch it.
I'm autistic And I was diagnosed when I was little. one of my favorite movies is rain man
Sometimes I wonder about myself my, but then say “well I’ve made it this far and a wife that accepts all the weird quirks” and I got a job that does that too! I don’t think I’m “normal” but I am happy, and I get to chase my dreams everyday! Didn’t think that was possible 7 years ago
Thank you for this video and for sharing with all those informations.
Have you seen community? Danny Pudi's Abed is one of favorite characters, in all of media. i would recommend the first season, specifically introduction to film episode
You should check out the short animation film Mind My Mind. It was very confrontational en brought me to tears but was one of the best representations I've seen so far.
Im quite outspoken about my HFA and enjoy having it. Its given me an edge in many things I consider important to me. However, it has given me shortfalls in some social dynamics that I have had to overcome with some difficult lessons.
Would you be interested in analysing a movie representing Asperger's? If so I would recommend Mary and Max is an animated film from 2009.
I think it'd be interesting to see your take on Jerry Espenson from Boston Legal.
I think time has proved this is a good movie. Even if inevitably something made today had to do more.
Yea, this is content that I like. Been hearing about this movie for years, still haven't seen it, sounds like I should.
the accountant will always be one of the best depiction of our Autistic difference
I was offended at first when I saw the movie. I thought they were making fun of autistic people. But then I learned that Dustin Hoffman did a lot of research on how some autistics behave. I now know he was playing an individual autistic person, not a straw man.
I enjoyed this video, and your analysis on mgs2 back in the day :) keep it up
My dad actually knew rain man he was always in princeton universities library and one time he was just walking down the middle of the road and his friends told him he cant honk at him because hes rain man
Ive fell in love with your videos and most of all your amazing narrations. Ive told all my friends about you, Keep up the great work!
Oh man, that's so nice!!! Thank you so much!
@@maxderratthey have difficulty with criticism and they live in their mind. I couldn't talk early when I was little.
I can’t get through that movie. Good job Max.
As a highly self aware Autistic researcher and educator, I would like to say that we mostly lack a common understanding about social skills and points of departure with Neurotupicals not a lack of social skills neccesarily. We think of social skills and effectiveness in a different ways than most neurotypicals so its imporant to remember that in Rainman in particular and all Autistic people in general.
Please analyse more representative movies, that's a pretty interesting take on the whole condition.
Try the film X + Y which has a great powerful performance from Asa Butterfield, however there is a bit of an unsettling death in the beginning. It also shows some depiction or gives visual focus to synesthesia which some people on the spectrum from my understanding can have. It’s heartwarming and tries to show the ‘positives’ and ‘negatives’ of ASD with Asa’s character and another character. Despite not a related film, They Live was underrated and great film too, so thanks for that quick mention. Stay yellow!
@8:30 Insert stepfather instead of father n I feel you the MaxD
Great video Max, definitely make more videos like this of this type.
Great film analysis! I always enjoy your content about autism, a lot of it is very relatable.
I'd be interested to know your thoughts on Adam (2009), Temple Grandin, or Brick from The Middle (that one might be tricky if you haven't seen the show). Keep up the good work!
I sometimes wonder if I'm autistic because most of my facial reactions and general responses to the mood of conversations are either calculated or something I've trained myself to do and I don't know if that's normal or not. I very rarely actually have a genuine facial expression, but people get perturbed if I don't put on the act because I have a bad case of resting bitch face.