The Station Agent

JULY 22, 2004 BY SUSAN J

I loved this movie. It was odd and heartwarming. What I loved most about it was the character of Joe Oramas played by Bobby Cannavale. Joe is this extraordinarily friendly guy who is never discouraged by rejection. He is unfailingly enthusiastic to see people. He draws people out, even the most difficult ones.

Everyone should have a Joe Oramas parked in a refreshment truck outside their house. We all need someone who isn’t put off by rudeness and standoffishness. We could all use someone to jolly us out of our moods and get interested in our weird hobbies. Someone who enjoys food and helps us meet people.

So many people who need a Joe, so few Joes.

But wait! That’s not quite true. It occurs to me that there is a Joe in every dog.

Let’s see:

Selflessness: check.

Affection: check.

Enthusiasm: check!

It turns out that we have a Joe and his name is Frank.

FILED UNDER: DEFIES CATEGORIZATION