The Station Agent (2003)
– For those who weren’t already aware of Peter Dinklage’s star-making
performance in Thomas McCarthy’s directorial debut, the rising star of Dinklage
thanks to his household status in Game of
Thrones will be inviting newcomers to what is a truly compelling feature,
imperfect in the way that most debuts are but worth experiencing the remarkably
brief runtime. Dinklage delivers a
phenomenally moving performance as Fin, the eponymous man who lives in an
abandoned train depot, and it’s a remarkable role since the film never patronizes
to the audience by demanding sympathy for a protagonist with dwarfism;
instead, Dinklage’s quiet solemnity and the occasional condescension from a
passer-by make the case eloquently for basic human dignity. Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale costar
as Fin’s friends, who break through the insulation he’s erected around himself,
and the film is highly enjoyable in developing the relationship between this
unlikely trio. Fortunately, the film
also treats its audience with respect by not forcing the clichéd “damaged
people” love affair between Dinklage and Clarkson; that plotline goes to a
young Michelle Williams, who’s less a broken soul and more charming librarian
who bonds with Fin over his need for a library card. Unfortunately, the film stumbles a bit when
it gives equal time to Clarkson’s plotline about her separation from her
husband; under the weight of two despondent protagonists, the film buckles, and
there are a few beats where the depressing quality almost overwhelms. I applaud the film for its anti-Hollywood
ending, in which love doesn’t quite conquer all, for it makes a more affirming
statement about friendship, and as the characters smile at the end, it’s a gift
to the audience that we too feel that we’ve found a new batch of misfits with
whom we can spend time.That does it for this week’s edition of “Monday at the Movies.” We’ll see you here next week!
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