Clint Bentley’s adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella, set at the beginning of the 20th century, gives this small life in the Idaho Panhandle a grand, soulful canvas.
There is nothing particularly grand about Robert Grainier’s existence in the world. The main character of “Train Dreams” is not a great thinker, artist or athlete. He doesn’t know who his parents are, or even exactly how old he is. He’s not particularly chatty, or passionate.
. . .