Train Dreams Floored Me With One Very Special Line, And Joel Edgerton And The Cast’s Comments On It Make Me Love It Even More

by

It’s easy to feel insignificant in today’s huge and complex world, with over 8 billion people sharing it. When you consider such a massive scale, it’s natural to question the meaning of a single life. However, art can offer a fresh perspective, and I was deeply moved by Clint Bentley’s film, Train Dreams. One line, in particular, resonated with me: “The world needs a hermit in the woods as much as a preacher on the pulpit.”

Near the end of the film, a line delivered by Kerry Condon’s character, Claire Thompson, really resonated with me. She tells the main character, Robert Grainier, that even when we feel unimportant, everyone has a role to play in the world. It’s a hopeful and beautiful thought, and I was eager to discuss it with the actors when I interviewed them for Train Dreams at a recent press event.

The Golden Globe-nominated film features Robert Grainier as a typical man of the 20th century, working as a logger in the Pacific Northwest to support his family. However, Joel Edgerton emphasizes that despite appearing ordinary, Grainier is just as remarkable as those we consider heroes or people of high status. Everyone has a unique and equally important role to play in the world, as he puts it:

The film explores the idea that all things are equally valuable – a dead tree is as important as a living one, and a simple life holds as much dignity as any grand achievement. It celebrates the everyday person, showing that heroism and specialness aren’t limited to scientists or astronauts. Everyone plays a vital role in the world, and most of us see ourselves as part of the larger, ordinary population.

The novel Train Dreams follows its main character throughout his entire adult life, showing his hardships, happy moments, devastating losses, career shifts, aging process, and the changes happening in the world around him. Actress Felicity Jones, who plays Robert’s wife in the story, describes his journey as a quest to find meaning in life. According to Jones,

What makes Robert Granier so compelling, I think, is his search for meaning. None of us really know our purpose, and we’re all just trying to discover it as we go. The film really explores what truly matters in life, what we’ll hold onto when it’s all said and done. Ultimately, it suggests that life is made up of brief, happy moments.

Many people feel most fulfilled when they believe they’re making a difference and living with a sense of purpose.

When I asked Kerry Condon about that particular line, she offered a deeper insight: recognizing your own anxieties about feeling lost or without purpose should naturally go hand-in-hand with understanding that everyone experiences this feeling. Expanding on Joel Edgerton’s point about seeing each other as individuals, she emphasized the importance of letting go of judgment, and went on to explain…

I’ve always been empathetic towards people struggling with their mental health, and I’m comfortable talking about it. It’s just a normal part of life – I think it’s okay to not always be okay. I also believe it’s important not to judge others, because we all have flaws. That’s what really resonated with me – everyone deserves to live their life as they see fit, without being criticized.

The story in Train Dreams is beautifully simple, but also carries a heavy, melancholic feeling. However, it’s not ultimately depressing. William H. Macy, who portrays one of Robert Grainier’s logging companions, doesn’t think the film is consumed by its sadder elements. He explained,

You know, this movie wasn’t depressing at all. When the credits rolled, I didn’t feel down – quite the opposite! It left me feeling incredibly grateful to be alive and just amazed by what humans – what we – are capable of. Seriously, we’re incredible creatures.

I have to tell you, if you haven’t seen Train Dreams yet, it’s now streaming on Netflix! Everyone’s talking about it, and I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more about it as awards season picks up – it’s seriously good.

Read More

2025-12-19 02:09