REVIEW: MATT MUNGLE

Glenn Close co-wrote the screenplay and stars in the adult drama, ALBERT NOBBS. This film is a touching and beautifully created story with superb acting and fantastic makeup and art design. The cast is perfectly chosen and each delivers just the right amount of substance to add polish to the title character. What could have been a very heavy-handed attempt at emotional drama comes across here as light and at times whimsical; in spite of its sensitive premise.

Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) is really a woman. Though for the last thirty years no one has known. The setting is 19th century Ireland during a time when work is hard to come by, especially for women. So she has been passing herself off as a man in order to make her living as a butler. Now all these years later she finds herself trapped inside an identity that is not her own; and must figure out a way to break free or live freely.

Close is nearly indescribable in this role. Not just from the physical transformation but also from the way she carries her character. She engulfs this role and delivers a memorable, award worthy performance. As I mentioned, the character could be an emotional drain but instead she plays it with a sparkle in her eye that makes Nobbs even more endearing. Her character is one with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Pretending to be something you aren’t for thirty years with no relationships or friends to confide in; it would be a depressing state. But Nobbs never warrants pity.

The time period of the film makes for a nice backdrop. The servants that work alongside of Nobbs are all cleverly created. Mia Wasikowska plays young Helen, a maid together with Nobbs. She has no idea of his secret but continually sticks up for his odd ways. We have seen Mia as Jane Eyre and Alice in Wonderland. She again embodies the time period and the role completely in this one. The writing is another important element in this film’s success. It doesn’t try to do too much and many may think it is too thin. But a character such as this needs the luxury of moving and thinking. To bog it down would only stifle the uniqueness.

ALBERT NOBBS is rated R for some sexuality, brief nudity and language. This is not a crude or unsophisticated movie. Any of the mentioned concerns are there not to shock or titillate. Instead it gives you what you need to understand and engage with the characters. It is made for a mature audience and it will take a mature audience to appreciate it. If you and your spouse gravitate toward the art house and indie made films then this will be the perfect choice for you. If you like your films main stream and inside the box you might come away a little dejected. Regardless you cannot deny the stunning performance of Close and the intricate detailing of the film makers. I give it 4 out of 5 top hats. I felt deeply for the character and certainly appreciated the lengths it took to bring it to screen.