On paper Albert Nobbs doesn’t look like it’ll be much of a film, but after just one watch you’ll be raving about this film to anyone that is willing to listen because it features Glenn Close (Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil, TV’S Damages) in one of the finest roles of her life.
Close plays a character known as Albert Nobbs. To the guests and workers at Mrs. Baker’s (Pauline Collins – TV’S Mount Pleasant & The Adventures Of Merlin) hotel Nobbs is a kind and gentle man, what they don’t suspect is that ‘he’ is actually a woman donning the disguise of a man in a bid to find work in 19th Century Ireland. Nobbs lives in fear that someone will discover her secret, however when she meets Hubert (Janet McTeer – Island, Cat Run)(someone in the same predicament) she learns that she could actually make a life for herself. Nobbs decides to achieve her dream of running her own store and sets about making her collegue, Helen (Mia Wasikowska – Restless, Jane Eyre) her wife to make the dream complete, however Joe (Aaron Johnson – Chatroom, Kick-Ass) stands in her way.
Albert Nobbs really is a delightful surprise. The screenplay has you really feeling for Albert Nobbs while director, Rodrigo Garcia (Revolucion, Mother And Child) brings a real feel of class to the film. At times it does feel like the film will take the comedy route (the poster certainly suggests that) but actually this is a heart-felt drama that has some moments of genuine sadness… be prepared to cry more than once. Garcia recognizes that he touching on a sensitive story and treats with the respect that it deserves… thankfully they didn’t go down the comedy route because part of what makes this film so special is the connection you get with Nobbs.
As I mentioned previously Glenn Close puts in one of the performances of her life and it wouldn’t be unexpected if she doesn’t gain an Oscar nomination for her performance. She is well supported by Janet McTeer and once again Aussie, Mia Wasikowska puts in a captivating performance. On the back of her performance in Restless this may show the world that a truly remarkable talent has been unearthed.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt drama than you certainly can’t go past Albert Nobbs. This film has the potential to really captivate you, while Close’s performance is one of the best of the year. Drama at its finest.
Year: 2011
Director: Rodrigo Garcia
Stars: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Janet McTeer, Pauline Collins, Brendan Gleeson
Classification: TBC
Runtime: 113 mins
Rating: 