‘Train Dreams’ movie, discussion coming to Panida

Movie and book fans will have a chance to see the Oscar-nominated film "Train Dreams" on the big screen when the Panida Theater shows the movie March 13 in an event that will include a discussion of both the film and the book it was adapted from.

The book and film hold special local interest. "Train Dreams" is set around the turn of the 20th century in the Inland Northwest, when railroads and logging dominated the region’s economy. Much of the story takes place along the Moyie River — spelled in the book as the historical variant “Moyea” — where railroad and timber laborer Robert Grainier builds a remote cabin and attempts to retreat into a quiet life with his wife and young daughter. The events that follow form a meditation on tragedy, fate and grief during a time of monumental change in the region.

Published in 2011, the short novel was written by the late Denis Johnson, an author of national stature who himself had a home on the Moyie River with his wife, Cindy. The novel was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize; another of Johnson’s works, "Tree of Smoke", was also a Pulitzer finalist and won the 2007 National Book Award for fiction.

The movie was filmed at locations around eastern Washington and has earned high praise for its beautiful cinematography and powerful performances by actors Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones and William H. Macy. Directed by Clint Bentley, it is nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture.

Distributed by Netflix but without a wide theatrical release, the film’s showing in Sandpoint offers a rare opportunity to see it on the big screen — and it comes just two days before the Academy Awards on March 15.

Following the screening, there will be a discussion of the book and film. Jack Nisbet, author of multiple books on the human and natural history of the region, scouted North Idaho locations with Bentley and co-producer Greg Kwedar in 2021, discussing both local context and the transition from page to screen. Nisbet later watched a "Train Dreams" scene filmed at a sawmill north of Colville. He’ll be joined on stage by Barb Rawlings, a longtime family friend of Denis and Cindy Johnson, who will share insights about the author and their conversations about the book. Chris Bessler, Sandpoint Magazine publisher and a friend of Johnson as well, will moderate.

Audience participation is encouraged for the post-show conversation, and Bessler suggests that anyone planning to attend read the book beforehand. “It’s a beautifully written book,” he said. “That it’s set right here in a fascinating time historically makes it even more compelling. I think the movie captures the feel and mood of the book, but there are differences that will make for interesting talk.”

Copies of "Train Dreams" are available at Sandpoint Books and Bonners Books.

The movie will screen at 7 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the historic Panida Theater. Admission is $15, and proceeds will benefit the Panida. Underwriters for the evening are Sandpoint Books and Sandpoint Magazine.

Information: panida.org

    The Oscar-nominated Train Dreams comes to the Panida Theater on March 13, with a post-screening discussion on the film, the Denis Johnson novel, and its Inland Northwest setting.