The Station Agent (2003)

When his only friend dies, a man born with dwarfism moves to rural New Jersey to live a life of solitude, only to meet a chatty hot dog vendor and a woman dealing with her own personal loss.

Director:

Thomas McCarthy

Writer:

Thomas McCarthy

Stars:

Peter Dinklage, Paul Benjamin, Bobby Cannavale

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 25 wins & 21 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Dinklage	...	Finbar McBride
Paul Benjamin	...	Henry Styles
Jase Blankfort	...	Store Customer
Paula Garcés	...	Cashier (as Paula Garces)
Josh Pais	...	Carl
Richard Kind	...	Louis Tiboni
Bobby Cannavale	...	Joe Oramas
Patricia Clarkson	...	Olivia Harris
Lynn Cohen	...	Patty at the Good to Go
Raven Goodwin	...	Cleo
Marla Sucharetza	...	Janice
Michelle Williams	...	Emily
Jayce Bartok	...	Chris
Joe Lo Truglio	...	Danny (as Joe Lotruglio)
John Slattery	...	David

Storyline

When his only friend and co-worker dies, a young man born with dwarfism moves to an abandoned train depot in rural New Jersey. Though he tried to maintain a life of solitude, he is soon entangled with an artist who is struggling with a personal tragedy and an overly friendly Cuban hot-dog vendor.

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Plot Keywords:

train | depot | dwarf | newfoundland new jersey | librarian | 

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Taglines:

Loneliness is much better when you have got someone to share it with (norway DVD release).

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some drug content

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

5 December 2003 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Station Agent

Filming Locations:

New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£97,044 (UK) (26 March 2004)

Gross:

£266,392 (UK) (2 April 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

SenArt Films, Next Wednesday Productions, Station Agent, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Distribution rights acquired by Miramax for around $1.5 million.

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Goofs

Near the beginning of the film, Olivia's shirt has a small hole right in the middle of the front. The fabric is undamaged in subsequent scenes.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Henry Styles: Morning, professor.
Finbar McBride: Good morning.

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Connections

References Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

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Soundtracks

"Beautiful End"
Written by Fred Shafer and Bruce Wojick
Performed by Klear
Courtesy of www.klearband.com

User Reviews

The Beauty Of Sheer Simplicity

'The Station Agent' is a very simple but lovely quirky little film. There isn't much in terms of a plot but it works as a wonderful tone and mood piece and a brilliant study of three very likable and unique individuals and their friendship. As the audience it feels as though we are taking a glimpse into their lives and invited to be part of their experience. The cheerful background score adds to the quirkiness (without being intrusive). The screenplay is refreshing as it elegantly brings together the characters, the subtle light humour, the clever dialogues and one-liners. 'The Station Agent' is also visually pleasing, the simplistic natural green spacious settings, Olivia's lonely home, Fin's dark little one-roomed bedless stationhome and Joe's friendly van. The actors breathe life into their roles. All three of the principle cast members deliver very sincere and natural performances. Peter Dinklage acts in a very restrained manner allowing his silence to speak volumes. Bobby Cannavale is hilarious as the chatty Joe. Patricia Clarkson easily brings out the layers of Olivia and gives a strong performance. Michelle Williams holds her own. Overall, 'The Station Agent' is a delightful experience that draws smiles from the audience. An uplifting gentle little film.