Albert Nobbs

A woman posing as a male butler in 19th Century Ireland struggles to keep her secret as a group of con-artists try to get at her hard earned money.

Women in Dublin in the late 19th Century were not encouraged to be independent and often had to go to extreme lengths to be able to work. Albert Nobbs is a perfect example of this, holding down a butlers job at the very exclusive Morrisons Hotel. He is a highly respected member of staff at the establishment which is frequented by all the upper classes and even royalty.

Albert, although a servant, keeps very much to himself, not bothering to gossip with the others in the kitchen and often discouraging them from doing so too. When Albert has to share a room with the painter "Mr Hubert Page", his secret is discovered, but he is also introduced to a whole new lifestyle by the friendly painter. When a new scullery maid joins the hotel, Albert finds himself strangely attracted to her and tries to win her hand.

Unfortunately, the young lady is already involved with a rather unsavory character who thinks they can milk Albert for all of his savings. Albert however has plans of opening a shop and living with his new object of desire. The hardest part is how to bring up the subject with her that he is in fact a woman. After disease spreads through the country, Albert decides to accelerate his efforts, in wooing the young "Helen", but needs to somehow keep his secret under wraps.

Columbian director Rodrigo Garcia makes the large move from TV to the big screen to bring a truly superb and memorable film to the table and on this form should continue in this format.

Hollywood acting legend Glenn Close comes back to the big screen for the first time in five years, to give a truly inspired performance as "Albert Nobbs". The six time Oscar nominated actress gives one of the finest performances of her career as the cross dressing butler, making the audience doubt that underneath the clothing, she really is a woman. Her characters' struggle is deeply personal and ground breaking for the time, fighting to find her own identity and also the way that she should behave in a society which is not yet willing to accept her life choice.

Newcastle born Janet McTeer gives a stunning showing as fellow cross dresser "Hubert Page", posing as a burly and rugged house painter while living with a wife at home and nobody being any the wiser. She is able to show a whole new world to "Albert", a world that he never could have dreamed that existed and one he very much wants to be a part of. McTeer truly is something special in this film and this role led to her playing another great role in "The Woman in Black". I hope that this will pave the way for this talented actress.

Mia Wasikowska, best known for the playing the lead role in "Alice in Wonderland", gives a very decent showing as the devious, yet naive "Helen", while Tony Award winning actress Pauline Collins, gives a divine showing as hotel owner "Mrs Baker". Irish veteran Brendan Gleeson, gives yet another superb showing as the honest and lovable "Doctor Holleran". 22 year old Aaron Johnson, does very well indeed as the caddish "Joe", a young Irishman determined that the wealth of "Albert" will take him to the USA.

This is a truly wonderful film, with a good pace, lots of superb acting performances, tragedy, loss and suspense. It is not for everybody's taste, but will be enjoyed by most discerning movie-goers. Well worth at least one watch.

7/10