the station agent

This past weekend I watched an independent film from 2003 entitled The Station Agent (at the suggestion of Offspring #1).

The short review:
Loved it.

The longer review:
The film's main character is Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage), a dwarf who lives alone and works in a model railroad shop. When his friend and coworker dies, Fin inherits (and moves to) an abandoned railway station in New Jersey. The isolated location is appealing to Fin, as he is tired of being mocked and insulted by people because of his diminutive stature. However, his quiet life is almost immediately disrupted both by Joe (Bobby Cannavale), the gregarious operator of a hotdog stand parked next to the station, and Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a reclusive artist who almost hits Fin with her SUV. Twice. :)

As it turns out, Joe and Olivia have their own 'issues' -- Joe has an ill, demanding father and Olivia is grieving the loss of her young son. Watching the three lonely, eccentric individuals gradually come together to create a small 'community' or family of sorts was wonderfully engaging. The film is a nice mix of drama and comedy, and the actors (especially Dinklage) do a terrific job.

If you have a chance to rent this film, I'd highly recommend it.