Rain+Man+(1988)

= Rain Man (1988) =



Introduction:
In each of the modules we have studied I have included the trailers for films which address the topic being studied. These are just a sample of the films which deal in some way with the field of psychology. Films, like novels, help us understand and develop a deeper appreciation of psychological disorders or challenges. Working on your own (or with another student) you are to select a film, watch it and explain the condition portrayed in the film, how it is treated in the film and/or how it should be treated (if not done so correctly in the film).

Purpose:
To familiarize students with how a psychological disorder may present itself in real life (or as real as can be presented in film). To become familiar with how such a disorder should be treated (or should not be treated). To appreciate how prevalent psychological disorders are in modern society.

Method:
You are to create a wikilink from your class (see the left margin). On that link the following must be done:

media type="youtube" key="KKC3W0awjm0?fs=1" height="385" width="480"


 * Explain what the psychological disorder that the film is dealing with is, what is its cause, and what are its symptoms.**

//Rain Man// is focused on an autistic man, named Raymond, with savant syndrome. Savant syndrome is a mental disorder which is described in the movie as someone who “impairs sensory input and how its process”. These are high-functioning people with incredible memory. There are different forms of savant syndrome, meaning they have some different symptoms, but Raymond, the “idiot savant” as the doctor in the film calls him, remembers everything he reads and the facts he learns. Although he is incredibly intelligent in certain ways, he is socially awkward and can’t express himself, takes things seriously most of the time, and has certain routines that he must follow or else he becomes distressed and difficult to calm. There is a biological cause for savant syndrome: the left hemisphere in a savant’s brain is turned of by low-frequency magnetic pulses in the brain, therefore the right hemisphere is more active, provoking more savant-like actions.


 * Explain how this disorder is usually treated. Was this how it was treated in the film? Explain how it was dealt with in the film.**

There is not any medical treatment for savant syndrome because it is not really dangerous to the person with it. There are however ways to improve their condition and the developmental disorders which might come along with it. By making use of their talents and having a sympathetic, understanding, and patient community helps them to adjust somewhat and have a better chance of improving. Of course, savant syndrome won’t go away, but you could try to adjust it. In the film, it was never treated because it can’t be, but the doctor took the savant to a mental institution where he is surrounded by other autistic people and people who are understanding and can take care of him, thus putting him into a healthier environment for someone with his mental disorder.


 * What you learned from watching this film.**

I learned a lot from //Rain Man//, especially about autism and savant syndrome. It was interesting because the writer knew a lot about savant syndrome and had some professional help to make it more realistic, therefore really enhancing the view on what it really is. It is amazing what those people can do and I know now that savants are really underestimated in their usefulness in society. They have a lot of abilities which could be used for many things, and people should learn to respect them and treat them the same as anyone else while being understanding and helpful at the same time.


 * Your reason for choosing the film.**

I chose this film for both educational reasons and also non-educational. I partially chose it because I recognized the actors and know that having good actors makes the scenario even more realistic and makes the movie overall more interesting. I also chose it because it was a story which shows autism more in-depth by showing a specific form of it and therefore would help improve my understanding.


 * Your assessment of your work done and why you should receive the grade you desire.**

I believe that I deserve a good grade because I was thorough in investigating my film and the disorder described. I researched my topic thoroughly and I learned a great deal from watching this movie. I could have chosen a movie which was about a less known disorder, but I wanted to learn more about the ones I already do know to further my understanding of the topic and so I could end this semester with good knowledge of what I had learned previously in the year.

Works Cited: Hiles, Dave. "Savant Syndrome - Symptoms, Definition, Description, Demographics, Causes and Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment." Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy Through Adolescence. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. "Savant Syndrome - Symptoms, Definition, Description, Demographics, Causes and Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment." Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy Through Adolescence. Web. 13 Jan. 2011. "Tools/Analytics | Search Tactix Inc." Search Marketing Agency – Toronto Ontario Canada - Search Tactix Inc. Web. 13 Jan. 2011.

Cut and paste the following onto your wikipage and then fill it out.
Use of class time 5/5 Reason for grade: I spent my class time well and was working on this final project the entire time. I took my time looking for my movie so that I would pick the best one for me and then I spent the rest of the time watching the movie and working on my reflection.

Depth of work done 14/15 Reason for grade: I did a lot of follow-up research to verify my facts and I thought through it a lot before actually creating my wikilink. My information covers all of the facts without getting too wordy in my opinion.

What I learned 5/5 Reason for grade: I believe I learned all that I could from this film and payed close attention to the facts and details. Now I would be able to recognize a savant from watching their reactions to things and how they act. I really appreciate them now and I am pleased with my decision in movies.

** Wikispace's attractiveness 4/5 Reason for grade: ** I spent a lot of time organizing my wiki to make it look nice, not too cluttered, and easy to read. I think I succeeded in doing this.

** Total 28 /30 **