ALBERT NOBBS

Average
Rating

3

Tuesday, January 17, 2012, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

7:00PM: Cinema Chat with Andy, Auditorium 4

7:10PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:20PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: ALBERT NOBBS Auditoriums 4 & 5

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

ALBERT NOBBS

This beguiling tragic-comic tale has been a labor of love for star Glenn Close, who first played the title character on stage 30 years ago, cowrote the screen adaptation with Irish novelist John Banville, and also served as a producer on the film.

A nineteenth century Dubliner, Albert is the headwaiter and butler at Morrison’s Hotel. Long in the employ of the proprietor, Mrs Baker (Pauline Collins), Albert is an impeccable servant, but an odd, lonely man who keeps himself to himself. And no wonder, because he’s a she, so used to passing as the opposite sex for employment purposes that s/he is now virtually sexless. But Albert’s life is knocked sideways when fate and Mrs. Baker insist on sending another man to share her bed….

Close pulls off this demanding role with virtuoso delicacy and restraint, but it’s hardly a one-man (or one-woman) show: the stellar supporting cast includes director Rodrigo Garcia’s In Treatment protégé Mia Wasikowski as a pretty maid Albert takes a shine too, Brendan Gleason as the house doctor and the great stage actress Janet McTeer in a revelatory performance as Albert’s initial foil and ultimate inspiration.

A Roadside Attraction Release, ALBERT NOBBS opens commercially in San Diego on January 27th.

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Rated R for some sexuality, brief nudity and language

Send a Comment

19-Jan-12: sioux - Rating: 4

I thought it was very good, although I will admit it was a bit slow in parts. I thought it was an interesting portrayal of an emotionally stunted person who had completely lost touch with who she was out of necessity. The role of a waiter in that hotel seemed perfect for this person who wanted to be invisible and not noticed. She didn't live, but simply existed, with only a dream of what life could be like. Her femininity had been so suppressed for so long, it made sense that she could not even consider a life as a woman. That scene with the two characters dressed as women on the beach was something else. They really looked like cross dressers, and not like "real" women.

I sensed a tragedy, and I got one. My bigger fear was that the young guy would use Helen to get close enough to Albert to steal all the money. Perhaps it was better that s/he died rather than be exposed as a woman and lose all her money to boot.

19-Jan-12: Mroe - Rating: 4

This was a peculiar, odd but interesting film. I came away with more questions but that sparked interesting conversations and insight and different takes on what we thought was going on. I was able to believe Glenn Close was a man or rather was a woman who had her childhood and womanhood tragically taken from her and in order to survive acted like she thought a man would and without any guidance or direction lived a a-sexual life but was seeking companionship (basic human nature). It was a well made film, not overly “showy” but compact and intimate for being a period piece (reminded me of “Bright Star” in that way). I would recommend it to anyone who wanted to experience great acting and interesting story on a particular way of life.

18-Jan-12: Jessica M - Rating: 4

Wow, I'm shocked by the low ratings! As I was driving home last night I was thinking to myself, "Andy - you've done it again - another wonderful film." Thought provoking, moving, shocking, and good tension, with incredibly fine performances, esp Glenn Close & Janet McTeer. The Q&A was also fantastic - the Director provided some of the most insightful and articulate responses that I've heard during the Q&A's. Bravo, Andy. Thanks for bringing this to us and for another wonderful evening at the movies!!

18-Jan-12: Mary S - Rating: 2

Instead of sympathy, compassion or sadness towards the androgenous character of Nobbs, I only felt annoyance. Annoyed that Nobbs was such a faint character that he could and should have been blown away by the winds that dried the sheets and let the other characters take over the story.

18-Jan-12: ebee - Rating: 3

I wish we could give incremental ratings as this would be a 3.5.

I didn't love it and at times had a hard time understanding the strong Irish accents. I do think G-Close gave an amazing performance and Janet McTeer was fabulous and really I think this might be "her" movie. It just felt like it was a bit slow. It was beautifully shot and very well acted. I don't see where anyone could call it a comedy...

17-Jan-12: Margaret Downing - Rating: 2

Although I listened to the director's post-screening comments with great interest, I don't feel that Glen Close transferred her passion for this story to the film itself. I found myself becoming bored with the pathetic yet bloodless Albert and disbelieving of his/her naivete. Another mystery for me was why and how Joe thought Helen's walking out with Albert would help get them to America.

17-Jan-12: Georgi - Rating: 3

Lot to think about. Although slow and mannered the movie gave us an opportunity to see some terrific acting and experience an understanding of human struggle. Don't know what Jonathan Rhys Myers was doing here but, oh well. I am glad Glenn Close was driven to make this film which was worth seeing and contemplating

17-Jan-12: RichG - Rating: 2

To me this was a groaner. Somewhat painful in the tedium of it all. Not for thirty seconds did I believe Ms. Close was a man. It was hard to care for any of these characters. The "bad boy," Joe was the only one with some personality. This one I cannot recommend to any one I know. But, Andy, I still love you

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