Indie Gems: The Station Agent

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That's what friends are for.

A man with Dwarfism, Fin, (Peter Dinklage) inherits some property in the form of an old train station in New Jersey when his only friend passes away. He moves there with the intent to essentially become a hermit. That plan is thrown when he meets a talkative hot dog vender, Joe (Bobby Canavale) and a troubled woman, Olivia (Patricia Clarkson) who nearly runs him over. Twice. They force him to come out of his shell and make friends.

Besides Game of Thrones, this really is some of Dinklage's best work. 2003 was such a weird year, Oscar wise. I think Dinklage really should've gotten a nomination for this. He's so guarded playing Fin. I just wanted to give him a giant hug during the entire film. Canavale was hilarious too. I'm used to seeing him in more antagonistic roles. (Hello, Gyp Rosetti) But here he's so adorable. You want to tell him to shut up, but you would be heartless if you did. The always reliable Clarkson gave a great performance as well. It's a great thing when a small cast like this really comes together, and they definitely did.

Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "You guys, this is boring, can we talk?" - Joe (Bobby Canavale)

Comments

  1. Big Screen Small WordsApril 4, 2014 at 11:03 AM

    This sounds interesting! I'm always interested in seeing Peter Dinklage's other works (and Patricia Clarkson is amazing) so adding it to my (continuously getting longer) watch list! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 4, 2014 at 2:36 PM

      I hope you like it! I know what you mean about a long watch list. I'm just now getting to watch movies I added back in October.

      Delete
  2. Dan O.April 4, 2014 at 5:04 PM

    Loved McCarthy's sense for natural writing. Everybody feels like real, actual human beings. Even Canavale, who I absolutely loved here. Good review Brittani.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 5, 2014 at 5:07 PM

    Hi Brittani,

    I enjoyed this too. There was a certain gentleness to it and its quiet reflection about friendship was something I found rather touching.

    You might enjoy "The Visitor" which was made by the same director and stars Richard Jenkins who, in my opinion, is a very good actor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 7, 2014 at 2:07 PM

      I never got around to seeing the Visitor when Jenkins got nominated for it, but I really should. He IS quite wonderful.

      Delete
  4. s.April 6, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    I really need to see it. I've seen Dinklage in a bunch of stuff but it was usually crazy stuff so I'd be interested how he does in small, calm movie like this. Also I heard so much good about Clarkson's work here.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 7, 2014 at 2:07 PM

      She's wonderful. Canavale was my favorite in this. I'm not used to seeing him as an actual protagonist. lol

      Delete
  5. JoshApril 16, 2014 at 7:37 PM

    Great choice for the indie gem series! I also think it deserved more Oscar consideration, especially for the performances.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 16, 2014 at 8:21 PM

      2003 was such a weird award season year. Half the SAG nominees didn't even make it to Oscar.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMay 4, 2014 at 12:42 PM

    I didn't like this movie much the first time I watched it (as a younger teen) because I was bored. The second time I saw it (with my mom) I liked it much better. Peter Dinklage is great. He plays my favorite character in GoT. My 2nd favorite character is Brienne of Tarth because she is so bad-ass and she just doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks. Have you seen "The Visitor" (by the writer/director of "The Station Agent") with Richard Jenkins?

    ReplyDelete

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