The Station Agent Nov21 '07

I thought I had written about this movie before, but it turns out the post was on the now defunct site: movies.matthom.com. Thankfully I had a database backup and could retrieve the blog post.

The other day Michelle and I watched The Station Agent (my second or third viewing), and I initially didn't think she would like it, since it has a very slow pace, and doesn't instantly grab your attention. Rather, you have to open your mind to it.

Here was my blog post on the movie from December, 2005:

I honestly had never heard of Peter Dinklage, until this movie - and I really liked him. I am certainly going to be checking out more of his movies.

The Station Agent was so well done. I was entranced, every step of the way. The slow, subtle pace; the quiet sounds of summer; the innocence of Joe. Brilliant. It all came together for me, and the two hours felt like 10 minutes. If you're looking for a very intelligent, thoughtful, and charismatic film - please see this, as soon as possible. I can't recommend it enough.

The movie contains so many metaphors - namely that of "feeling small." For Finbar's case (Dinklage) - he didn't just feel small - he is small - a fact that he can never change.

What this movie also tells us is to cherish those who come into your life - because before you know it, they will be gone. No matter how mundane it seems - each person has their place. In the beginning of the movie, I think Finbar really took for granted having Olivia and Joe around - and they respected him, despite his "cold" and negative attitude, towards them. But Olivia and Joe were also both "reaching out," for anything they could find. Joe was the bored, out-going one - and Olivia's husband had just left her. Finbar finally "opens up," and it is ironic - because it seems that is also finally when Olivia and Joe seem to "close up." But the striking moment happened when Finbar actually did something nice for Olivia - and she shut him out. Finbar was, in a way, getting a taste of his own medicine.

I still don't really understand Emily's (Michelle Williams) role in this movie. She is like the "wild card." The same goes for Cleo, the young black girl. The movie really only centers around Fin, Olivia, and Joe - trapped in that small town, somewhere in New Jersey - during a peaceful summer. Emily and Cleo are there, as well, but they only make their presence known in the oddest of situations - when you least expect it.

This is why this movie is brilliant. It really makes you think. The characters seem outwardly simple, yet underneath, much more lies. Each character plays a role - but each role is so vibrantly different - it's really astounding at how they all "come together." This is definitely one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Excellent.

If you liked Little Miss Sunshine, you'll like The Station Agent. They both have a similar feeling and presence.

Categories: Movies , Reviews

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