Albert Nobbs
Review by Anthony Morris
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Albert Nobbs
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It's the turn of the 20th century and Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) is a waiter is a small hotel in Dublin. We know she's a woman – it's Glenn Close after all – but no one else does, and keeping her secret consumes her life. So
when she meets another woman passing as a man – a woman who's actually
living with another woman as "husband" and wife – it starts to open the
door to long repressed hopes and dreams. Dreams she may not be able to handle, let alone make come true. Being a story about repression, it’s hardly surprising that Albert Nobbs
is itself tightly wound, even in the subplot about a pair of young
lovers (one of whom, played by Mia Wasikowska, becomes the object of
Nobbs’ clumsy affections) who find each other despite the grim facts of
lower-order life. Close's performance is what makes Albert Nobbs
work, but she's playing such a subdued and restrained character that
the lack of emotional release can be frustrating at times. Despite
the central theme, this comes off as a very prim and proper film, one
that suits the central character but might leave audiences – especially
those expecting more of an insight into the heart of someone forced to
be someone they’re not – wanting more.
3 out
of 5
Albert Nobbs
Australian release: 26th December,
2011
Official
Site: Albert Nobbs
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Glenn Close, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Rodrigo García
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