THE VISITOR

RYAN: What I like about Richard Jenkins is that he’s been in so many movies and TV shows, but most people don’t know who he is. And then you see him in something, and you’re like, “Oh yeah, that guy!” So how was his new movie “The Visitor”?

CAROLINE: First let me just say that I love him primarily because of “Flirting With Disaster,” one of my all-time favorite movies. He usually plays supporting roles, but in this movie he’s the star. Granted, it’s a small, quiet film, but still. He’s so great, and he’s the reason I wanted to see this movie.

RYAN: Is it the kind of movie you should catch on the big screen?

CAROLINE: No, not at all, and it’s only out in limited release so most people won’t even have that option. It’s about a downtrodden college professor, kind of like Dennis Quaid in “Smart People” but less curmudgeonly. His life gets shaken up by these immigrants who he finds living in his NYC apartment, which he rarely uses. Some crazy stuff happens, and I actually shed a tear or two.

RYAN: Wow. So it’s really dramatic?

CAROLINE: There are some funny moments, but it’s a drama at heart. It’s about a man who’s rediscovering himself after his wife’s death, and there are some really heavy scenes. And there’s a bit of political commentary too. I was touched, and I thought it was really well done. And Richard Jenkins gets to play this bongo-type drum.

RYAN: Was this movie made by someone who’s done something good before?

CAROLINE: Why yes; I’m so glad you asked, Ryan. It’s the second film from Thomas McCarthy, the director of “The Station Agent,” which I loved but you never saw. He’s definitely making a name for himself with these small, endearing, poignant and impeccably cast movies. I’m kind of at the point where I’ll see anything this guy makes, because both of these movies were so good.

RYAN: Bottom line?

CAROLINE: I love ye, Richard Jenkins. He did a great job in this movie, and if you didn’t know who he was before, you’re definitely gonna know him now.