In Review: Albert Nobbs

Glenn Close, starring as the eponymous Albert Nobbs, represents the last of the Oscar nominees left standing; all of the other contenders have long since played and gone. Watching this film begs the question: would there have been as much fuss over the nominated performances from Meryl and Michelle had we been able to compare them more closely with this magnificent performance from Close?

Albert Nobbs is the most respected and pernickety butler at Morrison’s Hotel, run by the overly thrifty Marge Baker (Pauline Collins) in 19^th century Ireland. No one would suspect that Albert is actually a lady; after all, he remembers which flowers to put on which table, he is always impeccably turned out and has no problem lifting suitcases on to the top of carriages. The maids, especially Helen (Mia Wasikowska), are all very curious about Mr Nobbs, they think him a strange and secretive man, an unsurprising result of having spent a life in terror of being found out and robbed of a much-needed living.

Albert is horrified when Mrs Baker says that a tradesman needs a bed for the night and that he can share with Albert. Albert has to agree but is deathly scared that he will discover the secret. He does. What follows is an enthralling story of survival and grim humour that keeps your interest until the last moment.

The cast of Albert Nobbs could be described in one word: accomplished. Many of these actors, names including Brendan Gleeson, Brenda Fricker and Mark Williams, are as at home with humour as they are with ‘serious’ acting. Despite the film’s overall tone of repression and struggle, there are surprisingly frequent moments of laughter and a slight air of debauchery (chiefly provided by Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Janet McTeer over-acts a little which adds an extra bit of a giggle but a little ham is understandable given the stereotypical role she performs.

Glenn Close tops them all, playing a very convincing middle-aged man. The contrast in her face between the portrayal of the ‘man’ and the short moments of relaxation where she allows herself to drop the rigid expression of pretence are amazing. She does much to show how fluid the genders actually are.

Albert Nobbs is a sharp but depressing reminder of our not too distant past, a past where women could look forward to destitution and misery if they were without a man able to provide for them. Some aspects of the film could have been a little less laboured but overall it was not easy to predict and held the attention without too much effort.