Steve Reviews Albert Nobbs

Albert Nobbs is a very strange little man. He pinches the pennies he makes, working as a butler, saving up to fulfill his dream of opening a small shop. He loves a young woman who doesn’t seem to love him back. Oh, and Albert Nobbs is also a woman.

Glenn Close plays the mysterious Nobbs, and boy does she play him well. She is almost unrecognizable in the role. For those that are pissed at me for giving away a spoiler, I really didn’t. The marketing materials tell you this up front, and I think you – “the audience” – are supposed to know this going in. It’s ok, really.

So I was fully prepared for two hours of dramatic irony, where we the viewers all know the secret and are waiting for the big reveal. However, the story takes a much different turn, and is surprisingly pleasant. (I chose the word “pleasant” because I hate dramatic irony, and I probably would have not finished watching if this were the case).

When it comes time for Oscar nomination day, I fully expect Glenn Close to be one of the chosen five ladies to represent the Best Actress category. There has been a movement recently by actress Janet McTeer in the Supporting Actress category. The SAG, the Golden Globes, and several of the major film critics’ awards have had her on their short lists, and it is not undeserving. In a year when it would appear Octavia Spencer has already been handed her Supporting Acress award for The Help, it seems like an exercise in futility listing four other ladies. However, they all deserve their day.

Albert Nobbs runs a little long, which is my biggest complaint. It’s worth a view, though. It opens to limited audiences on 12/21.

-Steve
12.20.2011