neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The Station Agent
	Thomas McCarthy Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Williams, Raven Goodwin, Paul Benjamin, Richard Kind 2003		Disregarding the usual condescension exhibited by society and the arts toward dwarves, "The Station Agent" — a modest, touching, faultlessly acted film — finds a hero in Finbar McBride, a proud, misanthropic little man. He's a train enthusiast whose co-worker and sole friend dies and leaves him an abandoned, ramshackle railroad station in rural New Jersey. Moving to the desolate depot, Fin seeks solitude, but discovers that he can't escape the push and pull of his fellow human beings, particularly good-humored, eager-as-a-puppy lunch-truck driver Joe and disconsolate artist Olivia. Writer/director Thomas McCarthy has made a heartfelt, gently humorous personality piece about three lonely, damaged people who find camaraderie and support in unexpected circumstances. The actors are superb. Peter Dinklage gives the 4'-5" Fin a toughness that makes it all the more compelling when his sober veneer cracks. Bobby Cannavale's Joe is a handsome prole hiding pain behind his jovial exterior. Patricia Clarkson's broken-spirited Olivia is another in her string of award-class portrayals. Michelle Williams and Raven Goodwin excel in supporting parts. "The Station Agent" deserves to be praised and prized.