Nowadays, Peter Dinklage may be known as the wily, heavy-drinking Tyrion Lannister he played for eight seasons on Game of Thrones. However, his breakthrough film role — 2003’s comedy/drama The Station Agent — showcases a very different side of the actor who “drinks and knows things” throughout Westeros.

Written and directed by Tom McCarthy (Spotlight, The Visitor), the film sees Dinklage as a curmudgeonly loner who finds himself thrust into a reluctant friendship with two other outcasts, played with fervor by character actors Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale. Despite its pedigree, The Station Agent was truly only a critical darling upon its (extremely limited) theatrical release.

So discussing McCarthy’s directorial feature debut with guest Michael Denniston of the 99 from 99 podcast was the perfect occasion the perfect opportunity to dig a bit deeper into both the filmmaker’s canon as well as the roles that paved the way for bigger things for its cast. Listen in as we discuss how Dinklage finds the humanity in his reclusive character, what the film has to say about grief and what Oscar-winning big studio release it reminds us of.

SYNOPSIS

The life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and wills him a railroad depot in New Jersey. He decides to relocate to the small town, where he befriends talkative food vendor Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale) and unhappy wife Olivia Harris (Patricia Clarkson). As the trio’s interactions deepen, quirky conversations and outcomes ensue. McBride also gains insight from librarian Emily.

SHOW NOTES