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Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs leads an establishment of prestigious actors including the Oscar nominated Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds), BAFTA nominated Brendan Gleeson (The Guard), Golden Globe winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors), IFTA nominee Maria Doyle Kennedy (Downton Abbey) and Academy Award winner Brenda Fricker (My Left Foot), alongside the multi-award winning Pauline Collins (Shirley Valentine) and rising stars Aaron Johnson (Nowhere Boy) and Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre). In 19th Century Ireland, with employment for women scarce, a young impoverished girl made a radical decision to masquerade as a man to ensure her survival. Many years later, her four walls come crashing down as secrets are uncovered leading to tension, drama, heartache and tragedy. The novella by George Moore has been a labour of love for Close since she first played the role in 1982. Rodrigo Garcia (Mother and Child) directs from a script by Glenn Close, along with Man Booker prize-winning novelist John Banville and Gabriella Prekop.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The story opens in 19th century Ireland, where Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) is a hotel butler/waiter. He's also a woman, forced to hide his identity because a woman alone often ended up in the workhouse or worse. Albert has big plans, however, and dreams of the day when he can own his own little shop.
I was expecting this movie to be a cloying male-impersonator story like "Yentl," but it was so much more than that; it's a scathing and heartbreaking look at poverty, despair, and the need to be loved. Close is excellent as the troubled Albert; she was nominated for an Oscar as was her costar, Janet McTeer who gives an outstanding performance as a painter who befriends Nobbs. The rest of the cast is filled with top British character actors. The sensitive script, which was co-written by Close, is full of surprises and the movie moves at a quick pace.
This film has an intimate, art-house feel to it; it's a character-driven gem that left me in a pool of tears. Highly recommended.
I was expecting this movie to be a cloying male-impersonator story like "Yentl," but it was so much more than that; it's a scathing and heartbreaking look at poverty, despair, and the need to be loved. Close is excellent as the troubled Albert; she was nominated for an Oscar as was her costar, Janet McTeer who gives an outstanding performance as a painter who befriends Nobbs. The rest of the cast is filled with top British character actors. The sensitive script, which was co-written by Close, is full of surprises and the movie moves at a quick pace.
This film has an intimate, art-house feel to it; it's a character-driven gem that left me in a pool of tears. Highly recommended.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Stephanie DePue
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Albert Nobbs"a much-honored 2011 social issue drama of 113 minutes is set in late 19th century Dublin, Ireland. It tells the tale of the little man who never was. "Albert Nobbs" is a waiter in a pricey hotel in late Victorian times. His customers see him as a kind, fussy little man, but he's not. He's a woman living as a man because the male waiters make much more money than the women maids, and can hope even to be able to save enough so as to retire to a little shop of some sort - Albert thinks a tobacconist for him. And waiters don't have to beat laundry in the cold and snow, as the maids must. The movie is based upon a novella by Irish author George Moore. Its title role is played by Glenn Close, an Oscar winner for The World According to Garp , giving a "powerhouse performance" here according to the New York Post. Close recreates her 1982 stage role here; I understand it took her all the intervening decades to manage to get this work filmed. At any rate, she was also nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her work in this film.
Nobbs has spent decades working as a man, and is reaching the point where he thinks he can see the light at the end of the tunnel, though he is not sure how to strategize it. He's biding his time. Then two men arrive at the hotel at roughly the same time. Handsome strapping handyman Joe Machin, played by Aaron Johnson, Nowhere Boy. And handsome swaggering housepainter Hubert Page, played by esteemed actress, Janet McTeer, (), also passing as a man, and also Oscar nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her work here. Nobbs and the painter share their secrets, and Nobbs discovers that the latter is married to a lively, wage-earning seamstress. The waiter gets ideas: perhaps there might be a wife in his future too. Unfortunately, he turns his attention to the flighty hotel maid Helen Dawes, played by independent film darling Mia Wasikowska, Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre. But Helen is much taken by, and then pregnant by, Joe.Machin. However, Machin urges her to string Nobbs along, as there must be much-needed money somewhere in Nobbs' vicinity. Suddenly we see Nobbs' tender side. But he is jeopardizing himself, and we suspect things will not end well for him.
There's loads of highly prestigious international talent in front of and behind the camera in this outstanding indie production. The screenplay was written by Close, and Booker Award winning Irish author John Banville ( The Sea). Direction is by Rodrigo Garcia, (MOTHER AND CHILD)who does specialize in female-centric scenarios. And, in front of the camera, my, oh my. So many Oscar nominees/winners, once very popular/popular now. That hunk Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors - Complete Season 1-4) as Viscount Yarrell. Pauline Collins, long-ago flavor of the month for Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete Series, Shirley Valentineas Mrs. Margaret `Madge' Baker, owner of the hotel. Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner for My Left Foot, as Polly, the cook. Brendan Gleeson (IN BRUGES) as Dr. Halloran. Phyllida Law (RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY) as Mrs. Cavendish. Maria Doyle Kennedy (DOWNTON ABBEY, THE TUDORS) as Mary, a maid. Bronagh Gallagher as Cathleen, Hugh's wife. Angeline Ball as Mrs. Gilligan. And the latter three women, folks, were the three girl backup singers in THE COMMITMENTS, here together again.
The production comes off as a little stagey; still, I thought it did an excellent job of giving us Dublin, as it might have appeared then, in its seasons, snow-bound winter, blooming spring, and reflective fall. We are never given any clue as to Nobbs' actual sexual orientation; he comes off as asexual, rather closed-off, and hard to warm to. I saw a production of this as a play in Trinity College, Dublin, in 1980, and believe the treatment I saw made more explicit the fact that Nobbs spent his/her entire adult life with her breasts bound, passing for a man, out of economic necessity. I do wish the film had underlined its economic underpinnings more. Still, it's there, between the lines in many scenes: a powerful and memorable message. Read more ›
Nobbs has spent decades working as a man, and is reaching the point where he thinks he can see the light at the end of the tunnel, though he is not sure how to strategize it. He's biding his time. Then two men arrive at the hotel at roughly the same time. Handsome strapping handyman Joe Machin, played by Aaron Johnson, Nowhere Boy. And handsome swaggering housepainter Hubert Page, played by esteemed actress, Janet McTeer, (), also passing as a man, and also Oscar nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her work here. Nobbs and the painter share their secrets, and Nobbs discovers that the latter is married to a lively, wage-earning seamstress. The waiter gets ideas: perhaps there might be a wife in his future too. Unfortunately, he turns his attention to the flighty hotel maid Helen Dawes, played by independent film darling Mia Wasikowska, Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre. But Helen is much taken by, and then pregnant by, Joe.Machin. However, Machin urges her to string Nobbs along, as there must be much-needed money somewhere in Nobbs' vicinity. Suddenly we see Nobbs' tender side. But he is jeopardizing himself, and we suspect things will not end well for him.
There's loads of highly prestigious international talent in front of and behind the camera in this outstanding indie production. The screenplay was written by Close, and Booker Award winning Irish author John Banville ( The Sea). Direction is by Rodrigo Garcia, (MOTHER AND CHILD)who does specialize in female-centric scenarios. And, in front of the camera, my, oh my. So many Oscar nominees/winners, once very popular/popular now. That hunk Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors - Complete Season 1-4) as Viscount Yarrell. Pauline Collins, long-ago flavor of the month for Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete Series, Shirley Valentineas Mrs. Margaret `Madge' Baker, owner of the hotel. Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner for My Left Foot, as Polly, the cook. Brendan Gleeson (IN BRUGES) as Dr. Halloran. Phyllida Law (RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY) as Mrs. Cavendish. Maria Doyle Kennedy (DOWNTON ABBEY, THE TUDORS) as Mary, a maid. Bronagh Gallagher as Cathleen, Hugh's wife. Angeline Ball as Mrs. Gilligan. And the latter three women, folks, were the three girl backup singers in THE COMMITMENTS, here together again.
The production comes off as a little stagey; still, I thought it did an excellent job of giving us Dublin, as it might have appeared then, in its seasons, snow-bound winter, blooming spring, and reflective fall. We are never given any clue as to Nobbs' actual sexual orientation; he comes off as asexual, rather closed-off, and hard to warm to. I saw a production of this as a play in Trinity College, Dublin, in 1980, and believe the treatment I saw made more explicit the fact that Nobbs spent his/her entire adult life with her breasts bound, passing for a man, out of economic necessity. I do wish the film had underlined its economic underpinnings more. Still, it's there, between the lines in many scenes: a powerful and memorable message. Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By JK
Format:DVD
Unfortunately such films are not made too often nowadays, the more it should be cherished. Genius acting, gentle tone, subtle music, psychological credibility, unique story. A film made with passion and there is such attention to detail. Images that stay with you for long. The film's finale is heartbreaking. Glenn Close added another memorable role to her amazing list of characters.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Fi Reviews.
Format:DVD
This film is truly amazing!! The script is subtly brilliant. I have never seen anything like it before; very original story. Glenn Close and Janet Mcteer do a great job as the main characters. Glenn Close is such an amazing actress that you become completely absorbed in the film and totally forget it's her! The complicated love triangles, meaning of love and friendship are deeply thought provoking.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Brentwood
Format:DVD
A very moving and sad film but a must see. Superb acting by all, wonderful photography and a few twists. Glenn Close should have an Oscar for this performance. Great film.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It has to be said that Glenn Close is an actress who, nominated several times for an academy award for both best leading and best supporting actress, yet not winning once, deserves a break, and slightly more recognition than she receives. Throughout her acting career (films of fun aside) her performances have been engaging and whole-hearted; it is incredibly clear how much of herself she divests into each play, film, or musical, and it is this - as well as her magnificent and nuanced acting - that garners the respect and awe of her fans.
In Albert Nobbs - a film produced, co-written, and acted by Close from early in her career, when she featured on the stage production - a new side of Close is visible. Her erratic and overwhelming fits of mania in Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons are matched by a softer, yet much more profound approach to a character wholly unlike those she has played before. In her portrayal of a woman condemned to live out her life as a man to survive in austerity Ireland, and to be able to face her dangerous past and confront her unknown future, there are sides to Close that reveal a lot about her own travails. Her melancholy acceptance; her desperation for someone to know her secret and her fear to tell; all of the profiles to a deeply complex character are explored.
I am exceedingly glad Close was nominated again for her performance in this film (at the age of 64 she isn't doing too badly), as I am about her co-actor Janet McTeer, whose performance as Hubert Page is brought off with a fine heart and much insouciant humour; yet it is hard to believe that her entire career hasn't been overshadowed by fellow mega-actress Meryl Streep, who has beaten Close to the punch at the oscars on more than one occasion.... Read more ›
In Albert Nobbs - a film produced, co-written, and acted by Close from early in her career, when she featured on the stage production - a new side of Close is visible. Her erratic and overwhelming fits of mania in Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons are matched by a softer, yet much more profound approach to a character wholly unlike those she has played before. In her portrayal of a woman condemned to live out her life as a man to survive in austerity Ireland, and to be able to face her dangerous past and confront her unknown future, there are sides to Close that reveal a lot about her own travails. Her melancholy acceptance; her desperation for someone to know her secret and her fear to tell; all of the profiles to a deeply complex character are explored.
I am exceedingly glad Close was nominated again for her performance in this film (at the age of 64 she isn't doing too badly), as I am about her co-actor Janet McTeer, whose performance as Hubert Page is brought off with a fine heart and much insouciant humour; yet it is hard to believe that her entire career hasn't been overshadowed by fellow mega-actress Meryl Streep, who has beaten Close to the punch at the oscars on more than one occasion.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Food for thought.
I enjoyed this film. I love working out how people react as they do. In the day and age of this film it would have been so hard to live when your gender isn't straight forward. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ms. F. M. Mayo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Albert Nobbs
This is a lovely film with a good story. It is well acted and produced and well worth a watch
Published 2 months ago by Jean
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worth watching
Chose the book for our Book Club then we all had an evening together watching the DVD. We enjoyed the DVD better than the book
Published 2 months ago by c green
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glenn Close was excellent
Did not know what to expect I bought this film due to Glenn Close starring, I thought her acting very impressive...
Published 3 months ago by Carolirene O'Riordan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid storytelling
A solid storyline backed with a bullet proof script and delivery. The twist in the story doesn't excuse a little too much predictability and somewhat pedestrian pacing. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Stephen B. Peddie
4.0 out of 5 stars
it was a good film really
glen close played a good part and i could see that in that time women wouldnt have been able to make a living in a mans world
Published 4 months ago by lyndelou
5.0 out of 5 stars
Albert Nobbs.
A wonderful film to watch & shows how we have moved on from such bigotted ways.Glenn Close portrays the difficulties females have trying to work in a mans world . Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lynda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas viewing
Will enjoy watching this over the Christmas holiday. Missed at the cinema but wont miss it now I have my own copy.
Published 6 months ago by Lady
4.0 out of 5 stars
memorable sad story
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, never really heard much about it , GLENN CLOSE is captivating in it and she must have been brave to take on this role no glamour required , it was... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Lizzi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Janet and Glenn brillant.
Me and my partner watched this Dvd the acting was brillant,sound was not high enough but we both enjoyed the story.Janet as amazing as always and Glenn a real Albert ,loved it.
Published 7 months ago by Natalie Drury
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