Albert Nobbs (2011)

DIRECTOR: Rodrigo García ; CAST: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson …

SUMMARY (from IMDB): Albert Nobbs struggles to survive in late 19th century Ireland, where women aren't encouraged to be independent. Posing as a man, so she can work as a butler in Dublin's most posh hotel, Albert meets a handsome painter and looks to escape the lie she has been living.

MY OPINION:

Albert Nobbs is a sad personal drama about a woman who does everything she can in the struggle for survival. She experiences a terrible trauma as a young girl, which makes her deny herself even her own identity.

She puts up a tremendous effort to find safety and financial security and perhaps a little bit of happiness. When it finally seems her luck will turn around and her little dream might come true, all her hopes are dashed as the one person she loves exploits her and betrays her trust.

I felt so sorry for Albert and the injustice of it all made me angry. Albert is a person who has never harmed anyone or done anything wrong (except for the pretending part). It is awful how none of that helps her. The thing that got to me the most was that the film reminded me that this is happening in the world all the time – good people suffering at the hand of others simply because they are too good, too helpful, too trustful, etc.

Glen Close, who also co-wrote the screenplay, does an amazing job in the main role. She plays Albert in such a way you really believe she is male, and brings all Albert's emotions out, making it easy to connect with him/her.

Thematically, the film revolves around determinism (one cannot get out of what one was born into) and the rich taking it out on the poor. I want to believe that a person can make his/her own fortune, so I did not like this aspect/message of the film.

All in all, I cannot say I enjoyed this film, because it is so tragic, but I felt a lot of sympathy for the main character. Nevertheless, Albert Nobbs is a good, thought-provoking and emotional film with outstanding performance.

RECOMMENDATION: If you like emotional films that make you think, Albert  Nobbs could be a good film to watch.