Review of The Station Agent (2003) by John A — 21 May 2008

'The Station Agent' is a quiet, spirited film starring Peter Dinklage as Fin, a man who cannot escape some form of ridicule wherever he goes because he happens to be a dwarf. After his best friend dies, he inherits a disused station depot, and sees a chance to fulfill the life of a recluse - safe, solitary, undisturbed.

From here the film is a breath of fresh cinematic air, as one by one various locals refuse to leave Fin be, and he is forced to re-evaluate his ideals as these once irritating strangers become the most precious of friends.

Don't, however, expect soppy sentimentality or strong declarations of friendship here - the film is cleverer than that, and the director pays attention to awkward moments of truth to provide both humour and sadness around a fascinating gem of a story.

Dinklage is superbly professional in the lead role, mere facial expressions revealing his feelings to others, and he is supported by a stellar cast including Michelle Williams, Bobby Cannavale and Raven Goodwin.

Patricia Clarkson, however, steals the show as clumsy, erratic, good-hearted Olivia, whom Fin does not so much love as admire. The theme of trains is more important than we initially observe, because it is Fin's love for them what bring all these characters together, in one way or another.

Despite moving so willingly through all the conventions of an original Indie film, you can't help but adore 'The Station Agent', and it's wonderful array of colourful characters, none of whom are perfect, but nor do you want them to be.

The film is touching, charming and poignant in a light-hearted amusing fashion, with an eccentric, witty script suffused with a deep, melancholy pathos, that is only absolved through the strong bonds of platonic friendship we realise should be valued more than, well anything, perhaps.