Station Agent

A strong ensemble and director Tom McCarthy's sweetly low-key observations make Sundance fave The Station Agent a treat. The film revolves around a reserved, somber dwarf (Peter Dinklage, immortalized by his brilliant ticked-off tirade in Living in Oblivion), a train enthusiast who inherits a small depot in rural New Jersey. He makes friends, somewhat reluctantly, with a group of eccentric locals: the guy at the coffee stand (buoyant Bobby Cannavale), an artist (Patricia Clarkson, impeccable as usual), a librarian (Michelle Williams). A few of the plot strands feel forced, but whenever the actors are simply playing off each other with McCarthy's nicely understated dialogue--which is most of the time--it ambles along winningly. You'll also learn more than you ever thought you'd want to know about trains. The key is Dinklage's smoldering performance, one of those reminders that a single scowl is worth pages of conversation. --Robert Horton Amazon.com

People Liked This Movie?

I actually sat through the entire movie waiting for something to happen - it didn't. This is one of those movies that the artsy fartsy set really like, maybe because there is a vertically-challenged gentleman in it. Who knows. For those of you who like movies with real plots and things like that, look elsewhere. This is one of those movies that feels like it was done by your brother in some film school project and really isn't much of a movie. I love trains, so at least there were trains, but other than that, I can't get my two hours back from sitting through this. November 4, 2008

Let's have more from Tom McCarthy

Tom McCarthy has crafted a film of utmost sensitivity, insight and relevance. Aside from his witty script and insightful direction, the real power is created by the flawless performance of Peter Dinklage, a character of strong principle, suspicious of strangers. Along come the delightful characters that melt his cold, empty heart, and make him alive again. Even though the excellent Patricia Clarkson got the best reviews, I thought Bobby Cannavale was the most alive, delightful character, a despairing individual, looking for a real friend. Michelle Williams, too, is so complete, sweetness personified. I can't blab away the plot, but how these characters come together and learn to love and overcome their angst is a credit to fine acting, direction and a very clever script. A small world is created that totally envelops the viewer, and the viewer actually cares. I waited too long to watch this film. Not many DVD extras, besides some deleted scenes, which, I think, ALL should've been left in. Highly recommended. October 15, 2008

When Three Friends Collide

`The Station Agent' is one of those rare movies that lingers through your memory long after having watched it. Not since `Lars and the Real Girl' have I felt this way about a quirky independent film where you fall in love with the characters and marvel at the warmth and eccentricity they elicit.

The movie starts with Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage, `In Bruges') a dwarf (at least that's the term he prefers, so I'll go along with him) who works as a fix-it man at a used goods store. Despite the tool man position, he's sharply dressed with a collared shirt and tie. His moves are mundane, and the store's atmosphere is serene and quiet. The deliberations of his life are similar. He goes shopping. He lives alone. He doesn't have any companionship, and whatever entertainment he ekes out is spent by himself. Then the owner of the shop (Paul Benjamin) dies.

Soon Finbar learns that he's inherited a train station depot from his deceased employer. The shop is sold with its merchandise, so he pursues his newfound possession, nestled in a sleepy New Jersey neighborhood where much renovation is needed .

He's able to live in the station depot where in former times the thriving railroad stop provided a barber shop and a familiar store with convenience items. (Although the trains that go through every night make sleep difficult.) Within a few yards of him is Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale, `Romance & Cigarettes') a Latino who runs his ailing father's hot dog and coffee vending stand from a trailer. Joey is gregarious and friendly with his new neighbor. His overtures, however, fall flat on the taciturn Finbar whose silence speaks volumes about the ordeals he endures about his height.

The two get caught up as a threesome when a separated housewife, Olivia Harris (Patricia Clarkson `Lars and the Real Girl') nearly runs Finbar over on the road juggling with the distracted driver syndrome we're all used to. Trying to make it up to him, Olivia finds a social context in which all three can get involved together. Finbar finally opens up. Eventually, they each have something to give one another, and the tripod becomes more complete with four when Finbar becomes infatuated with the local librarian (Michelle Williams) and extends to five when Cleo (Raven Goodwin), a curious and precocious African-American girl, shares his company and fascination about trains.

The differences between the three characters is so clever, yet uncanny, you can hardly believe how well their chemistry works together. Whether gathering at Olivia's house and art gallery, going train chasing with two amateur filmmakers whose heights are at a great distance, or just sharing a meal, the movie gels with unusual sparkle and grace.

The film demonstrates that in the midst of the usual hustle and bustle a dwarf will especially be treated like he's invisible target and in the way. But they all have hurdles to leap over. In Olivia's split marriage arrangement some past secrets come creeping back into her life, and Joey's outgoing vivacity has little time and space when caring for a sick father.

Colorful, charming, and engaging `The Station Agent' is one of those gems that make you wish independent movies were always this good. (Written and directed by Thomas McCarthy who directed the recent film `The Visitor' due out on DVD in October.)

A J.P.'s Pick 5*'s = Exceptional September 2, 2008

A week in the life

I'm a fan of Peter Dinglage, but I don't like movies that are about a 'day in the life' or a 'week in the life' with no real ending. It was kind of slow but interesting.... I just wanted more, an outcome, something. June 11, 2008

You know who you are...

This may well be my second favorite movie ever. Certainly in the top five. Can I explain why? I'm not sure that I can. An attempt: it appeals to the small person inside every single one of us. The one that never quite fits. The one that takes a beating and keeps on ticking. The one that lies down under a train and fails even at that. The one that paints half finished children for the eternal loss that never heals. The one that keeps on knocking until the door finally opens. The one that drinks alone at the end of the bar. The one that dreams of riding the Zephyr and hopes it never reaches the end of the line. The one that sits among other small big people and feels right at home.
March 23, 2008

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