Super Grover

5th Jun 2005

Rain Man (1988)

Corrected entry: In the scene when the doctor asks Raymond unbelievably far-out mathematical equations, Raymond answers them correctly. A few seconds later, he is asked rather simple math problems and is way off with his answers. It seems uncharacteristic that Raymond (being a high-functioning autistic, as the doctor described him, and who also stated himself that he was good with numbers) would be able to answer such technical math equations with ease but not be able to subtract 50 from 100.

Correction: Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Savant Syndrome in this story is both authentic and credible in depicting savant skills, particularly the 'prodigious skills' of Raymond Babbitt. It is startling to comprehend an autistic savant's mathematical prowess. Raymond's ability for 'lightning mathematical calculating', even in the absence of the basic simple arithmetic skills, is a VERY accurate representation of Savant Syndrome.

Super Grover

Correction: In addition to the correction by Super Grover, I want to note that the "subtract 50 from 100" question involved money. The doctor asked Raymond, "If you had a dollar, and you spent 50 cents, how much money would you have left?" Raymond doesn't really understand dollars and cents, so the wording of the question may have confused him.

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