Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.
- How in the world did Father Babbitt keep Raymond a secret all these years? And more importantly, why? Wouldn't that have helped his relationship with Charlie?
- Why choose to portray Raymond's "autism" inaccurately? What does the movie get out of its particular (wrong) portrayal of autism?
- What role does Susanna play in the movie? What is her function in terms of plot, emotion, character development overall, etc.?
- What are some major turning points in Charlie's character, and how do they come about?
- What do you think Charlie's future holds at he end of the film? What is the future for him and Raymond?
- How would the movie have been different if Raymond had been allowed to stay with Charlie?
- What do you make of the whole Vegas/casino trip—why is that a key part of the movie? What does it accomplish in terms of plot and character development?