Finding employment that paid a decent wage in the harsh environment of 19th century Ireland was very difficult. For women, it was next to impossible. Based on a George Moore novella, Albert Nobbs tells the story of a woman who passed as a man for most of her life in order to work as a hotel waiter. Close first played the character of Albert Nobbs in a 1982 stage production, and spent fifteen years trying to get the film made. Having co-written the script with John Banville and Gabriella Prekop, she also served as one of the film’s producers.

Albert is dutiful, reliable and thorough.  A disciplined and trusted servant of many years, he does exactly as asked and told. Albert’s ability to blend in has made him a nearly indispensible member of the staff at Dublin’s Morrison Hotel. Having decided to conceal his true identity, and wear men’s clothing some thirty years before, Albert avoids any kind of personal contact to a stifling degree.

Albert’s world changes when Hubert Page (Janet McTeer) arrives to do some painting in the hotel. Hubert is tall, lanky, smokes a lot, and not afraid to kid around. Albert is filled with fear when he learns that he’ll have to share his room with Hubert. However, as it turns out, Hubert is hiding a secret of his own: he’s really a woman. Albert is shocked to learn that Hubert has been in a committed relationship with another woman for years, and long to know how she’s pulled it off. Later on, Albert visit Hubert at his home, and meets his wife, Cathleen (Bronagh Gallagher). Watching Albert interact with the couple, it’s clear that he has only the vaguest of notions as to what men and women do with each other, what sex is, what marriage is.

Albert NobbsNonetheless, Albert has a dream that’s been sustaining him for years. She has her eye on a little storefront that would make a perfect tobacco shop. There’s even a room in the back where tea would be served. There’s also a room upstairs she could share with a “wife,” a role she hopes Helen (Mia Wasikow­ska), a young housemaid at the hotel, will take on. However, for Albert, a wife appears to be more of a friend and business partner, than romantic interest.

Directed by Rodrigo Garcia, Glenn Close gives one of the best performances of her career. Equal parts inspirational and sad, Albert Nobbs is the story of an individual who eventual got so lost in a character of her own making, that she forgot who she was completely. The fear that Albert Nobbs feels each and every day of his life is palpable, and you can’t help but feel for him. Given his situation, and the life he’s chosen, it’s clear early on that true happiness in life is not an option for him.

Presented in 2.35:1 widescreen, Lionsgate has produced a fine looking 1080p transfer. Flesh tones look natural. It looks like interiors were shot using as much natural light as possible, leaving the darker (yet not without the occasional bright color) looking appropriate throughout. While background images aren’t always crystal clear, the image quality here is above average.

The DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack is excellent, though since this is a dialogue heavy film, it’s not given much to do. Dialogue is replicated perfectly, and the few outside scenes showcase the sounds of 19th century Ireland.

English and Spanish subtitles are available.

The following special features are included:

  • Audio Commentary with Glenn Close and Rodrigo Garcia: Close provides historical detail and context for the story, clearly invested in the film, she also discusses the wardrobe, set design, and differences between the script and novella. Both she and Garcia discuss how certain scenes were shot, the actors and their roles.
  • Deleted Scenes (8:16) Four in total, none of them would have added much to the story.
  • Trailer (2:32, HD)