\The Station Agent,"" writer-director Thomas McCarthy's first venture behind the camera, is a beautiful story, something that has been missing in the theaters these days.
The story follows Fin (Peter Dinklage), a little person whose only friend dies, leaving him an old station house on the railroad in Newfoundland, N. J. Upon arrival, he is drawn into the lives of the people he meets.
Though the starring actor is physically a little person, the movie is anything but a novelty. As the film progresses, the audience is drawn into the story and the physical stature of the characters becomes irrelevant. In fact, it seems impossible for it to have been any other way. Though the film bases itself on the character of Fin, it is really a portrait of five very different people, united by their solitude.
There is Fin, who is jaded and fed up with the prejudices and misconceptions of a cruel world. Then there is Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a painter who has separated from her husband and is battling depression over the loss of her son a few years prior. Next is Joe (Bobby Cannavale), an easily excitable and desperately friendly Cuban who is filling in for his sick father on his vending cart, which just happens to be parked in Fin's back yard. There is also Emily (Michelle Williams), the town librarian, who is pregnant and has doubts about her skuzzy boyfriend. Finally, there is Cleo (Raven Goodwin), a rambunctious little girl who befriends Fin through their common love of trains.
Through chance and providence, these characters are brought together and become intertwined, whether they like it or not. McCarthy is onto something big here. What looks like a potential chick flick is actually a darn good movie. Do not worry: You might get crap for going to see this, but you can laugh at your friends later for missing out. This is not sophisticated viewing, but it is definitely higher end than what audiences are used to seeing at the theater. It can be kind of scary when you go to a movie and leave wondering if your parents would enjoy it.
All kidding aside, this is definitely a must-see. This picture presents a beautiful story that has something for everyone to take away. It is novel without being over the top and beautiful without trying too hard.
