Review of Albert Nobbs (2011) by Ray H — 28 Jan 2012

An excellent movie. A very good story, very well told. We have a period drama, set in 1910s Ireland. Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) is a woman living undercover as a man. As a poor, working-class woman, she has to do this to get a job to support herself. She continues to work as a butler as her lifes work. Most of the story is set in the small hotel where Mr. Nobbs works. This story explores common, universal, life issues and themes. Several characters are developed along w/ the lead, Mr. Nobbs. Seems like the Irish working-class are living lives of quiet desperation. This story speaks of timeless human conditions.

Some are hoping to leave Ireland for America. The young maids are hoping to marry men w/ enough means to rescue them. Albert has a dream of buying his own small business. He wants to escape the demeaning work of a butler to snobbish patrons of the hotel and his cruel employer. Albert discovers house painter, Hubert Page (Janet McTeer), is also a woman undercover, just like her. Hubert has a wife he lives with happily. Together, they share a home and 2 successful businesses. Albert begins to think he/she might be able to find this life-style for himself as well.

There are a lot of human circumstances and longings/desires that are explored here. Anyone should be able to relate to this story.

Glenn Close gives a stunning performance as Albert Nobbs. She conveys nuances of restrained emotion that are amazing. Janet McTeer is outstanding as house painter, Hubert Page. Ms. McTeer has a major role. She is outstanding. A young maid, Helen (Mia Wasikowska), is looking for love and someone to rescue her. Mia is very good. Dr. Holloran (Brendan Gleeson) has a smaller role as a resident of the hotel. Gleeson is spot-on. The rest of the cast is also uniformly good.