The Station Agent 2003
I had heard good things about this movie when it came out, but never got around to seeing it. It is a typical indie film in so many ways: a character study about unhappy people with no real plot to speak of. But the characters are enjoyable and they keep your interest as they get to know each other and we get to know them. The main character is a dwarf who has inherited an old train depot in a small town and just wants to be left alone. However he can’t help but interact with a few of the locals.
While there are certainly some dark undercurrents, the movie is quietly entertaining and mostly light and funny. Peter Dinklage, in the main role, is very good, able to bring a range of emotions even without saying much of anything. Patricia Clarkson is also good as a goofy painter with some emotional issues. While it would have been easy to make this movie too brooding and anti-social, making it too light and breezy would have ruined it. Instead it hits just the right balance and is enjoyable and rewarding to watch.
Written: 08 Feb 2009
Owned on: Digital