The Station Agent
2003
When his friend and co-worker suddenly dies, train enthusiast Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) inherits an abandoned railway station in rural New Jersey. A dwarf who avoids social contact whenever possible, Fin treks out to the property and moves in. However, his newly isolated life is disrupted by the arrival of the well .. Read more
| Starring | Patricia Clarkson, Michelle Williams, Peter Dinklage, Paul Benjamin |
|---|---|
| Director | Thomas McCarthy |
| Genres | Comedy |
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The Station Agent
When his friend and co-worker suddenly dies, train enthusiast Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) inherits an abandoned railway station in rural New Jersey. A dwarf who avoids social contact whenever possible, Fin treks out to the property and moves in. However, his newly isolated life is disrupted by the arrival of the well meaning Joe and Olivia. Joe (Bobby Cannavale), is an outgoing operator of a roadside refreshment stand, and Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), is a reclusive artist who is grieving the loss of her son. As Joe and Olivia slowly bring Fin out of his shell, all three people are affected by their newfound friendships.
| Starring | Patricia Clarkson, Michelle Williams, Peter Dinklage, Paul Benjamin, Jase Blankfort, Paula Garces, Josh Pais, Richard Kind |
|---|---|
| Director | Thomas McCarthy |
| Studio | BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 26 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 01 May 2007 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Rarely has cinema come up with a lead character with so many social handicaps as Finbar McBride, played here by Peter Dinklage. He seems to have no emotions, he is a dwarf, and his hobbies are model railways and trainspotting. Finbar works in a model shop and when the owner dies, he inherits a disused rural railway station in New Jersey. He shuns attention, but finds himself befriended by Joe (Bobby Cannavale), a gregarious young Cuban who runs his father's fast-food van, and Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a local artist grieving for a dead son and a dead marriage. A ragbag collection of misfits and losers, they end up sitting, talking and trainspotting together. And that's about it. But the script strikes such a fine balance between comedy and the pain of living, and the characters are so beautifully observed, never demanding sympathy or even interest, that The Station Agent proves a strangely original and seductive experience.
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"Delightful... Warm, funny and poignant. The performances are excellent and Peter Dinklage steals the show..." (Johnny Vaughan)
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Most helpful member's review
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38 out of 44 people found this review helpful
Delightful!
I stumbled on this film by chance at the cinema when there was nothing else on that I fancied watching. I was most pleasantly surprised by this delightful film. The characters are are wonderful, and really draw you into their lives and feelings. Its funny and quirky, sad in places and heart-warming in others. A real American independant treat. Enjoy! And if you like this try 'Straight Story'.
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Most recent members' review
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4 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Nothing special
I thought I would enjoy this film more. The photography was nice, the characters were fine and there was nothing wrong with the acting. It just left me a little cold mainly because the plot was so minimalist as to be almost imperceptible.
It's not just that 'nothing happens'. I loved 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and superficially 'nothing happens' in that film either. But there's lots going on under the surface and unfortunately with 'The Station Agent' that doesn't seem to be the case. -
News and features
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The Visitor: Thomas McCarthy Interview
- 10 Jul 2008
We caught up with all-round nice guy Thomas McCarthy, writer and director of The Visitor, who first made a name for himself with 2003’s indie hit The Station Agent, whilst also acting in films such as Meet The Parents and Michael Clayton. Thomas gives us the low-down on travelling the world, the cultural importance of the film and his phantom website tomforoscar.com.... LOVEFiLM: It’s a beautifully crafted, measured and moving film, that mixes two rather different ideas. You’v Read more
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When his friend and co-worker suddenly dies, train enthusiast Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) inherits an abandoned railway station in rural New Jersey. A dwarf who avoids social contact whenever ... -