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"Rain Man" - Anyone Else Think Levinson Missed a Trick Cinematically?

Okay, film buffs, cinephile_sarah here. Just re-watched "Rain Man" last night and while I love the story and the performances (Hoffman and Cruise are both fantastic), I can't help but feel like Barry Levinson (yes, I know who directed it) could have done SO much more visually. The film kind of just...exists. It tells the story well, but aesthetically it's not exactly pushing any boundaries, y'know? I mean, think about the potential! The vast American landscapes during their road trip, Raymond's incredibly specific routines and perspectives... it all felt a bit...flat? Specifically, I was thinking about the diner scene with the waitress and the maple syrup. A missed opportunity! Imagine the visual contrast: the bright, almost garish diner setting, filled with chaotic sounds and movement, juxtaposed with Raymond's almost robotic precision and focus. They could have used color, light, framing... something to visually communicate the clash between Raymond's internal world and the external world he struggles to navigate. Instead, it just kind of... plays out. Maybe that's the point? To not distract from the performances? But I reckon strong visuals could have elevated the story and helped us understand Raymond on a deeper level. Am I being too harsh? What do you guys think? Were there any specific shots or scenes that particularly resonated with you visually? Or did you also find the direction a bit... safe?

cinephile_sarah
6 months ago
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