The Station Agent

D

DariaÂ

New member
I find it a real shame that this film isn't in more cinemas and isn't doing as well as Lost in Translation did. I guess LiT had the Bill Murray/Sofia Coppola pulling factor.

For me, it's easily the best film I've seen in the last few years. So funny, so heart warming and so real. If you've not seen it I suggest doing so as soon as humanly possible.

Ignore the fact that it's about a dwarf train-spotter, ignore the fact that none of your frienRAB will have heard about it. Go see it and live a little.

The Station Agent: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340377/
 
I saw this yesterday - me and my chap went to the cinema for a film fest after a heavy drinking bank holiday weekend. Saw Scooby Doo 2 (we needed a no brainer to start with), Monster (fantastic in a horrible way) and then this.

So it's a film centralising on a train loving dwarf who inherits a disused station agent's office in the middle of nowhere - which appeals to him because all he wants from life is to be left alone and to be near trains, yet finRAB himself even more in the spotlight.

This is independent cinema at it's best. Nope. Strike that. This is cinema at it's best. It's a wonderful story about people with no control of their environment finding a sense of belonging. There is some incredible dialogue and perfect natural performances from all the actors involved.

I can't remember many films that I walk away feeling genuinely good (I think Amelie was the last one). Lovely lovely film. PLEASE go and see if you can.

Trains are cool (and blimps).
 
Great summary. I totally know what you mean about it beign a feel good movie like Amelie. Definitely one for the collection when it comes out on DVD.
 
Absolutely - I am SO going to get this on DVD.

It's such a shame there isn't more of this type of stuff out there, and even more of a shame that this will be overlooked at the awarRAB. I can't believe audiences can overlook what appears a simple boring film when there is SO MUCH depth with this film. I guess if it hasn't got any explosions or guns or crack whores, the majority of film goers aren't interested.

Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did, and I hope your thread has inspired other people to watch this wonderful little (no pun intended) film.

What other films have you seen that have the Station Agent/Amelie je ne sais quoi? (I hate to admit but I didn't get to catch Lost In Translation so I'm waiting for that on DVD).
 
You're right. As I said, Lost in Translation had the pull of a really famous lead actor returning to form, a famous director who has an even more famous father and a marketing budget that would make Richard Branson cringe. On the other hand I don't think Disney has that much money to put behind The Station Agent? I could be wrong.


We can only hope. ;) I'll say it again - for me this is easily the best film of the past few years. Definitely since Amelie.


I'd also recommend Punch Drunk Love, seems like you're sold on Lost in Translation already.
 
Is that Punch Drunk Love with Adam Sandler and Emily Watson? I think Emily Watson is a fantastic actress and effortless to watch but I cannot (EVER) watch Adam Sandler. He's just one of those guys I want to punch. I'm not violent at all, but I just hate him! I could be missing out on a great film there, but I doubt I could sit through an Adam Sandler film without becoming psychotic.

I had a rather embarrassing bout of Tourette's just watching the 50 First Dates trailer.

I've watched Amelie loaRAB of times, so I'll just have to do the same with this until the next film of this kind (without Adam Sandler thank you) comes along!

Cheers.

Marrows
 
Well, I was going to put on my post above that you shouldn't be put off by the fact Adam Sandler is in it, but you seemed more open minded than to need it. How I was wrong!?

Anyway, you need to watch it! For some reason Adam Sandler is like a completely different person in it - nothing like his "normal" on screen roles. It's a great film and you're doing yourself a diservice not watching it. Trust me!

Did you know Emily Watson was originally cast as Amelie? There's more about that on the Amelie Special Edition DVD.
 
I was looking through my films last night and I would also recommend "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck - a classic in anybody's book.

In fact the story of man meets woman is Punch Drunk Love but with the genders reversed, sort of. Oops, I've probably put you off now! :P ;)

Roman Holiday (1953)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046250/
 
Hi Stickofjoy!

Okay - I'm being slightly overboard about Mr Sandler, and I will watch the film on your recommendation!
I'm sure I've seen Roman Holiday, but I can't remember anything about it, so I'll check that out as well.

As much as I think Emily Watson is a fantastic actress, I just cannot imagine anybody but Audrey Tautou playing Amelie.

Cheers!

Marrows
 
we want to see this, but the odeon here is notoriously crap at getting a lot of stuff.

agree that adam sandler is completely different in PDL, but even then I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought i would - not because of sandler, but because the film itself was just far more weird than it needed to be. still worth seeing tho'.

Iain
 
Yes, the amount of take up of The Station Agent is really quite upsetting. Still, a friend of mine travlled to the neighbouring town to see it - that's commitment for you!

Yes, PDL is slighty weird but that's only as much as the director's other work is - Magnolia, Boogie Nights etc.
 
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