Starring: Glenn Close, Janet McTeer and Brendan Gleeson
Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
LD Entertainment
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
In the dining room of a 19th Century Dublin Hotel, the head waiter is seating guests. As he walks past a table a woman remarks to her husband, “he’s such a kind little man.” If only she knew the truth.
A pet project of Glenn Close, who starred in the play almost 30 years ago (Close also co-wrote and co-produced the film), “Albert Nobbs” is the story of a woman who has spent the last 30 years disguised as a man in order to survive. When Albert (Close) meets Hubert Page (McTeer, eerily resembling a very tall k.d. lang), a house painter hired to touch up the hotel, he discovers a kinship he never thought could exist. Albert has been saving his money, longing to one day open a tobacco shop and no longer pretend to be someone he isn’t.
Earlier this week both Close and McTeer were nominated for Academy Awards, and deservedly so. Both women immerse themselves in their roles and create an illusion that makes the film flow easily. Not once do you think, “oh, look, Glenn Close is playing a guy.” When you look at the screen you see Albert Nobbs. The supporting cast also helps keep the illusion going, including Mia Wasikowska as one of the hotel maids, Gleeson as the resident doctor and Aaron Johnson (who was incredible as the young John Lennon in “Nowhere Boy” and also starred as the title character in “Kick Ass”) as the hotels newest employee.
The direction is solid, with the camera capturing old Ireland beautifully. The production design gives the film an authentic look. And kudos to the make up department, also Oscar nominated, for transforming Close and McTeer. I’m a little baffled by the films “R” rating. Except for a quick shot of bare breasts and a humorously implied indication of oral sex there was nothing questionable on screen in my opinion.