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| Movie Review: Albert Nobbs Alternate Title: Victor/Victoria
Story: Albert Nobbs is the perfect
waiter at Dublin's Morrison Hotel in the mid-19th century. He is quiet
and mindful of his class and rank in society. He seemingly vanishes
into the woodwork unless called upon. The only problem is that Albert
Nobbs is a woman. This quiet film is all about class, gender, lost
and tortured souls. It has echoes of Gosford Park, Upstairs/Downstairs
and most recently PBS' Downton Abbey. Albert Nobbs' secret is discovered by a passing
tradesman. How this encounter leads to an awakening by Nobbs is the
heart of the story. The film is beautifully shot and has all of the
intrigued and contrast of the gentry and commoners. Sensitively directed by Rodrigo Garcia
and written by Glenn Close, Gabriella Prekop and John Banville.
It is based on the short story by George Moore. Glenn
Close won an Obie for her portrayal of this role on Broadway in 1982.
She is looking for an Oscar to match it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ini59bYhaUY Acting: Glenn Close as Nobbs is
wonderful in a restrained, sensitive performance. Janet McTeer
as Hubert was terrific. Mia Wasikowska as Helen was
flat for my taste. Aaron Johnson as Joe was right out
of central casting. The supporting cast were all fine including: Brendan
Gleeson (Holloran), Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (Viscount Yarrell), Pauline
Collins (Mrs. Baker), Mark Williams (Sean), Bronagh Gallagher (Cathleen)
and Brenda Fricker (Polly).
Predilection: I like to see Oscar nominated films.
Trivia: Director Rodrigo Garcia is
the son of Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez. Rodrigo
Garcia attended the 2nd annual Hatch audiovisual festival in Bozeman,
MT in October 2005 and his film, Nine Lives, was honored with a Hatch
award for best feature-length film. He has directed 2 actresses to Oscar
nominations: Glenn Close, Best Actress, and Janet McTeer, Best Supporting
Actress, both for Albert Nobbs.
Critters: Horses
Soundtrack: Appropriate
Opening Titles: All titles are at the end.
Visual Art: Beautifully set with great attention to
period detail.
Theater Audience: About 20 others.
Weather: It is a chilly winter in Dublin.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 2
Squirm Scale: It is painful to watch deep repression.
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout.
Predictability Level: I was not sure what was going
to happen.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Both Glenn Close and Janet McTeer have
been nominated for Oscars.
Big Screen or Rental: I always root for the big screen
but this one could probably be seen on the small screen too.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 8 |