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Monday, December 5, 2011

[6.50/10] Albert Nobbs (2011)


Albert Nobbs (2011)

Brief review: Based on a short story by Irish novelist George Moore, "Albert Nobbsn" revolves around a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. This unusual story is slow-paced, yet compelling, but it never reaches its potential in terms of development, and it's neither as touching nor as emotionally dramatic as it should be. In terms of acting, "Albert Nobbsn" is definitely an Oscar material. The fantastic Glenn Close is back, and she's in top form indeed, delivering one of the best performances of the year, as the naive and struggling, yet loyal and kind-hearted woman who lives as a man. Mia Wasikowska gives another impressive performance as the tricky and confused hotel maid, Helen, and Aaron Johnson does a solid job as the manipulative charmer, Joe. Set in 19th century Dublin, "Albert Nobbsn" is about as authentic as it can get. The production design is highly effective, Rodrigo GarcĂ­a's camera work is exquisite, precise and refined, and the era is captured beautifully, but yet, his direction lacks the 'wow' factor and the dynamic diversity that could have made this a great movie. The muted color palette of the cinematography also fits the time period well, and adds to the film's overall authenticity.

Overall summary: Subtle, oddly gripping and beautifully-made, if hardly anything special, "Albert Nobbsn" celebrates the welcome return of the incredible Glenn Close, who showcases her acting versatility, with an amazing, Oscar-worthy 'male' performance as the title character.

10 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I remember the year Linda Hunt won for her portrayal of a man in The Year of Living Dangerously.
Voted for you and plugged your site big time today! Will do so until the voting ends.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, I haven't seen The Year of Living Dangerously.. in fact, I've never even heard of it. :) Close was amazing in this one, and I predict an Oscar nomination.

Thanks, buddy. I hope your efforts pay off. :)

Candice Frederick said...

YIPPEE!! i'm glad to see glenn close back on the big screen!

✗✗ said...

Okay, wow this sounds pretty awesome! I can't believe that is Glenn Close as a man! The movie poster alone is convincing. I can't wait to see her performance. Great review as always and I will definitely be by The Movie411 to vote for you, of course!!

Unknown said...

I love to watch Glenn work. She is what my father used to call an imposing woman with handsome features. I think she is a truly amazing actress and I am looking forward to seeing this one. Engaging and insightful description/review as always, hon.

Good luck in the voting!! Huge hugs, sweetie. :))

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Candice, I'm super glad as well. Really missed her on the screen, she's amazing.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Nicole, she actually looks very convincing as a man. Close may not be one of the most beautiful actresses out there, but she's definitely one of the most talented.

Thanks, sweetie, I voted for you too. :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Mel, I do too. She's just exceptional as an actress, and has this type of unconventional beauty I adore.

Thanks, sweetie. Good luck to you too. Huge hugs!

Maynard Morrissey said...

Last year I've seen director Rodrigo Garcia's "Passengers", a movie which I really, really hated.
This one's hopefully much better - at least the cast is amazing (Close, Wasikowska).

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Maynard, "Albert Nobbs" is a very slow movie. Not sure if you can handle it. LOL. The cast was absolutely top-notch.