Albert Nobbs

• Director: Rodrigo Garcia
• Screenwriter/Written By: Glenn Close, John Banville
• Based on the Novel By: Gabriella Prekop, George Moore
• Producer: Alan Moloney, Bonnie Curtis, Glenn Curtis, Julie Lynn
• Starring: Aaron Johnson, Brendan Gleeson, Glenn Close, Janet McTeer, Mia Wasikowsa, Pauline Collins
• Running Time: 113 mins.
• Language: English
• Rating: R

If you were born in January, you might take offense to your birthday month being used as the “dumping ground” for new film releases.  Hollywood has traditionally used this month to unload films they feel aren’t very good.  Albert Nobbs is not in that category.

The pet project of Glenn Close since the early 1980′s, Albert Nobbs is the story of a woman taking on the persona of a man in order to survive in late 19th century Ireland.  Back then, there was either the street or the poor house if you couldn’t earn your keep.  Nobbs (Close) has been living for over 30 years by being a very good, albeit reclusive, waiter/bellhop in various hotels.  When he becomes smitten by a young, winsome maid named Helen (Mia Wasikowska), his world suddenly has new meaning and possibilities.

Director Rodrigo Garcia (Nine Lives) works with Close (who also co-wrote and co-produced) to give the lead character a sense of perpetual caution in mannerism and speech, possibly due to the constant fear of being found out, but there is also bemusement and whimsy that is translated in his visage.  this can best be illustrated when Hubert Page, a painter commissioned to work at the hotel, is assigned to bunk temporarily with Mr. Nobbs.  After an excruciating first night, the two become good friends and confidants.  When Helen accepts Mr. Nobbs invitations to go out, you feel just how awkward and innocent he is the real world of relationships.  Wasikowska (The Kids Are All Right, Jane Eyre) is perfect as the young maid who is intrigued by this strange fellow, while at the same time carrying on with shady handyman Joe (Kick Ass‘ Aaron Johnson).  It’s at Joe’s behest that Helen accept Mr. Nobbs’ advancements in order for the two of them to get enough money to head to America.

A good period piece has to have the look and feel of the time to make it plausible.  Cinematographer Michael McDonough (Winter’s Bone) and production designer Patricia von Brandenstein (Amadeus) are award winners and they make turn of the century Dublin and it’s interiors and environs a perfect part of who Albert Nobbs is.  Rounding out the main cast, Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges, The Guard) as the philandering resident Dr. Holloran and Pauline Collins (Shirley Valentine, Paradise Road) as hotel owner Mrs. Baker are great together and separately.

January is the first month of the year and with it new ideas and beginnings.  Although in limited release for Academy Award consideration in late December, Albert Nobbs could be one of the best films of the new year.  January babies, Hollywood has sent you a birthday card.