Albert Nobbs

Albert Nobbs



Glenn Close does an amazing job playing a male role. I liked this film for several reasons. I adore historical pieces. We are transported to 19th century Ireland. Glen Close plays the role of the butler, Albert Nobbs. As a woman she couldn’t get employment. Her transformation is amazing. She is austere and serious. She looks like a male and walks like one as well. She is the perfect butler to the wealthy guests at the small hotel. She is also respected by the other workers in the hotel. I loved watching the dinner scenes. All the staff stood at attention with severe looks as they greeted the guests arriving for dinner. The banter in the backroom kitchen amongst the staff was such fun.

Mr. Page is also employed at the hotel as a painter. He is asked to share a bed with Albert Nobbs. What a shock to discover that Mr. Page is also a female. Nobbs tries to learn from Mr. Page because he plays the part so well. He charms the female workers and does a great job painting. He has been able to make a life for himself in this disguised role. He even has a lovely wife. (I’d love to know more about that)

The costume party at the hotel is quite ridiculous. I was amused when Mr. Page says to Albert Nobbs,” We are both disguised as ourselves.”

Albert Nobbs saves all his/her tips under the floorboards in the bedroom. His goal is to open a small tobacco shop. Albert Nobbs even dreams of marrying the young server who works at the hotel.

There are several smaller sub plots that make it all interesting. The young server (Mia Wasikowska) loves the young handyman. He sure is adorable but you know he will not amount to anything, He promises the young worker that he will take her to America. The only gift he gives her is a pregnancy. What a surprise to discover the resident doctor in bed with one of the servers.

Albert Nobbs gives gifts to the server but is shunned in romance.

The guests at the hotel are delightful to watch. You probably won’t relate to any of them but they are fun to watch.

Are there flaws in the film? Absolutely. The film does work on many levels and is good entertainment with excellent acting from several of the characters.

Glenn Close has been nominated for an Oscar for this role. She certainly is in the running.