The Station Agent
Starring Peter Dinklage, Patrica Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale
Rated R
Miramax
If you are a dwarf who happens to be an actor, what sort of roles do you get? Dwarf roles, of course. And invariably, these are supporting, not starring roles. As far as I know, there’s never been a movie about what it’s like to go through life under five feet tall, until now. Tom McCarthy, who wrote and directed "The Station Agent”, tells a remarkably beautiful story of Fin McBride, a shy, small man who, despite his physical differences, is comfortable in his skin. The story begins when Fin, a train buff (played by Peter Dinklage), inherits an abandoned railway station in South Jersey.
Fin would rather be alone than suffer the comments and stares of strangers, but that just isn't going to happen here, thanks to Joe (Bobby Cannavale) who sets up shop each morning outside Fin’s new home. Bobby runs his fathers Hot Dog and Coffee truck and why he parks it where there’s never any traffic is never explained. It doesn't need to be, because Joe is just a likable and entertaining character. So much so, that it isn’t long before Fin lets his guard down and their friendship begins. Next, Fin encounters Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), and falls head over heels for her in their first meeting, even though she almost runs over him with her SUV. Olivia is both newly separated from her husband and trying desperately to recover from the death of her seven year old son. Add Cleo (Raven Goodwin), a little girl who hangs around the train station and doesn't seem to notice Fin is an adult. To her, he’s just a friend who is exactly her size. And Emily, (Michelle Williams), the sensual young Librarian who comes close to a sexual encounter with Fin.
By this point, you may guess where this is going. Lonely people band together, misfits unite, and so on. But this movie has much more to offer. It is a story you can completely buy into. Peter Dinklage's performance of Fin makes me hope there are more leading roles in his future, but it will be tough to find another as rich as Fin. Patricia Clarkson, once again, gives a performance that makes you forget she’s acting. And three cheers to Bobby Cannavale as Joe. All in all, "The Station Agent" is a great ride. It’s a film you want to share with someone and see more than once. I plan to see it again, next time with my wife.
Mystic River
A film by Clint Eastwood
Starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Hardin
Rated R
Warner Brothers
Every review for this film has been wonderful and I don't think I could add more. Bottom line, go see it. There’s little doubt that Eastwood will be taking home the Oscar for Best Director next year. Kevin Bacon plays Sean, a Boston detective trying to solve the murder of Jimmy's daughter. Sean Penn (as Jimmy), proves again that he’s one of the most talented actors of his generation. You actually feel his loss when he’s told his daughter has been murdered. Tim Robbins is amazing to watch as Davy, a broken man suffering from his own abduction and sexual abuse as a child. And Marcia Gay Hardin, as Davy's wife, is left confused and helpless by his actions. Overall, the film is perfectly cast, perfectly directed and damn near perfect. "Mystic River" has Oscar written all over it.
Posted by Tush at October 15, 2003 02:47 PM