The main character of the film is the dwarf Finbar McBride (played by Peter Dinklage in his breakout performance). He thinks his life is fully set for him: he works at a model train shop with his only friend Henry. He is an introvert; people tend to treat him differently wherever he goes, and it is something that really irks him. He shuns all types of socializing and has gotten used to the way people treat him. But then, Henry literally drops dead one day in the store, and Fin learns that his friend left him some land at a train depot in the rural area of Newfoundland, New Jersey. Fin decides to move there immediately, seeking a life of solitude. However, an enthusiastic Cuban- American named Joe (played brilliantly by Bobby Canavale) decides to befriend Fin due to his own loneliness in the secluded area. Joe is extroverted and open to a fault and seems incapable of being rejected. Fin's life consists of mainly walking around, watching trains, and frequenting grocery stores and libraries where he still gets treated differently. On one of his walks back home, he ends being almost run over twice by a woman named Olivia (played by Patricia Clarkson). These scenes would have been comedic in almost every other film, but in this one, it actually serves the story. As it turns out, Olivia is an artist mourning the death of her son who died too young. The three form a strong friendship which gets threatened by some unexpected circumstances. Fin also meets two other people: a librarian named Emily (Michelle Williams), who is immediately drawn to him; and Cleo, a young girl who shares his interest in trains. She is curious about Fin's physical condition, and he also doesn't mind answering her questions about it. With Emily, Fin realizes that not all other humans are as judgmental as the ones he's become accustomed to and that friendship and romance may actually be possible for him.
The film moves at a slow pace, jut like life. However, it works masterfully; every actor is able to show an amazing transition from the beginning to the end of the film. The film mainly has conversations that move the plot along, as the characters reveal more about themselves to each other. Peter Dinklage is excellent in the film, and it really is no wonder to me why he was discovered for this film. He leads the film better than most actors and actually elevates the film. Patricia Clarkson is also extremely good with her subtle performance and helps drive the plot well with Dinklage. Bobby Canavale plays Joe as eagerness and enthusiasm personified, and he does an excellent job with a role which might have been played easily in an over-the-top manner.
The Station Agent is an excellent film about these 3 people. It runs for only 90 minutes, which gives us all the sense that we were only allowed to see into these characters' lives for a brief period. As I watched people, I didn't feel like watching actors perform, but rather, real people go along with their lives. To me, that is a remarkable achievement. I definitely recommend this film for everyone.
Score: 4.5/5
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