Review of The Station Agent (2003) by Jefferson L — 16 Feb 2009

I don't think people give simplicity nearly enough credit these days. Awards shows shun them, critics exploit them in order to make a point but then forget about them the next day, normal people don't even know about them. This film isn't about anything but the unlikely friendships that spring up among a town of solitude, trains, and hot dog stands. No other immediate themes spring up and McCarthy doesn't want to make it any more complicated than it already is superficially. It's about comfortable silences and delicious beef jerky and the madness of train chasing. The characters are so natural and comfortable in their uniqueness I can't describe this movie in any word but charming.

Good story about the risk, and need, of letting others in. Character study. I liked the quietness of the movie. (@@,)b.