 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Station Agent - 10/3/03 (limited) - R - 88m
Peter
Dinklage - Finbar McBride
Patricia Clarkson - Olivia Harris
Bobby Cannavale - Joe Oramas
Director: Thomas McCarthy
Screenplay by: Thomas McCarthy
Studio: Miramax
Official
Website
JEF
I REALLY liked this film. The characters in
this film were all so amazing, with maybe a little quirkiness to keep
the audience interested in their lives. The acting was very well done.
I really felt like I was drawn into this film and sitting at the hotdog
stand watching it all unfold in front of me.
Storyline: I’ll be brief so as not to give too
much away, because that’s what makes a slice of life type movie
interesting is learning about the various characters.
Meet Fin… (Peter Dinklage) Fin is a dwarf who works in a model train
store. Through a twist of fate, he becomes the owner of a small old train
station office in the middle of nowhere in New Jersey. Upon arriving at
his new home, he meets a few members of the town. Fin attempts to stay
pretty much to himself, and lead a routine, some might say “boring”
life… but two characters of the film seem to force their way into
Fin’s life. There’s Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale), the hotdog
stand vendor, and Olivia Harris (Patricia Clarkson) the slightly older
single woman who’s going through some problems of her own. The movie
is basically about these three characters coming together and creating
a somewhat odd, but touching friendship.
I just can’t say enough good about this film. I loved the acting,
the story was well written (Kudos to writer/director Thomas McCarthy),
the comedy of Joe (Bobby Cannavale) was fantastic, and not too over-the-top.
There were funny parts, and sad parts, and parts that made you think about
your own life.
The supporting cast was equally fantastic. From the pick-up truck driving
bozos that didn’t have a clue, to the cute little girl Cleo (Raven
Goodwin) who just had to make you smile, to the local librarian Emily
(Michelle Williams).
Patricia Clarkson who played Olivia did a fantastic job, and although
she’s been in quite a bit of films I didn’t really recognize
her. She’s got one of those faces that has an inner beauty, but
doesn’t really stand out in a crowd.
Peter Dinklage played the lead role of Finbar McBride. He carried this
film, and was fantastic at doing so. Although his character never really
said a whole lot, you could just read his mind and know exactly what he
was thinking. A true talent for an actor to pull off, with such limited
dialogue.
And then there’s Bobby Cannavale, who played Joe… This character
just cracked me up in so many ways. And yet he wasn’t just a comic
relief character, but you knew that he was a man of character, and warmth.
This movie would be the classic “Slice of Life” type movie,
and if you’re a fan of these types of movies I would highly recommend
this film. It’s able to find the beauty of telling a story through
the media of film, about three rather mundane lives, but able to capture
the humanity in these three characters lives.
It may not be around in theatres too long I’m afraid, because it
doesn’t fall in the typical “Hollywood” style film.
But if you can see it in the theatre, I’d highly recommend it, and
if you miss it, by all means be sure to rent this on DVD or Video when
it’s released. I will definitely be buying this film for my collection
when it is released on DVD.
Jef
Here’s what Lyn thought…
