ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=EmulateIE7" /> <meta name="keywords" content="movie review, movie reviews, dvd reviews, blu-ray reviews, recent movie grades" /> <title>True View Reviews</title> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="../../tvr.ico" type="image/x-icon" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../../cssnew/index.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../../cssnew/review_list.css" /> </head> <body> <!-- The wrapper division encloses the whole page --> <div class="wrapper"> <a name="top" /> <!-- The header division encloses the page header --> <div class="header"> <a href="../../index.htm"> <img alt="TVRBanner" src="../../graphics/TVRBanner.png" class="trueviewlogo" /> </a> </div> <!-- The content division includes the posters new items, annoucements, copy right & certification areas of the page --> <div class="content"> <div class="moviedata"> <div id="rightpane"> <div class="moviename"> ALBERT NOBBS </div> <div class="releasedata"> <a class="releasedata1">Release Date: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">Friday, January 27, 2012</a> <a class="releasedata2">Runtime: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">1 Hour(s), 53 Minutes</a> </div> <div class="genre"> <a class="releasedata1">Genre: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">Drama</a> </div> <div class="rating"> <a class="releasedata1">MPAA Rating: </a><a class="moviedataitalic">R</a><a class="moviedataitalic2"> </a> </div> <div class="director"> <a class="moviedirector">DIRECTOR(S): </a><a class="moviedataname"> Rodrigo Garcia</a> </div> <div class="actor"> <a class="moviecast">CAST: </a><a class="moviedataname">Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Pauline Collins</a> </div> </div> <div id="leftpane"> <img src="../../posters/2012/albertnobbs01-27-12.jpg" alt="ALBERT NOBBS" class="posterimage" /> </div> </div> <div class="what"> <div class="reviewers"> <div class="reviewer1"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#A"> <img alt="Laurie" src="../../graphics/TVRIconSm.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <a class="grade1">B</a> </div> </div> <div class="reviewer2"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#B"> <img alt="Renee'" src="../../graphics/RRRIconSm.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <!--<a class="grade1">5</a><br /> <a id="A1">Out of Five Reels</a>--> </div> </div> <div class="reviewer3"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#C"> <img alt="Liz" src="../../graphics/LizSmIcon.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <a class="grade2">A</a> </div> </div> <div class="reviewer4"> <div class="review_link"> <a href="#D"> <img alt="Mark" src="../../graphics/directorchairsm.png" class="review_graphic" /></a> <!--<a class="grade1">2</a><br /> <a id="A3">Out of Four Stars</a>--> </div> </div> </div> <div class="click"> Click on Icon to read individual reviews </div> </div> <div class="reviewpane"> <a name="A" /> <p class="h1"> LAURIE COKER'S REVIEW<br /> RATING: B</p> <p> Other than Meryl Streep, few actresses can surpass the talent of Glenn Close, and few roles demonstrate Close s range better than her current turn in  Albert Nobbs. Unfortunately, the tedious tale of house-servant Albert Nobbs hardly holds up under the enormous weight of such an incredible performance. Directed by Rodrigo Garcia and co-written by Close herself and John Banville, and while impressive to watch with its imagery,  Albert Nobb s pacing and overall blandness keep it from greatness. Because of its weighty, surprising theme and Close s (and some of her co-stars) exceptional portrayal, I can still say good things about the movie.<br /><br /> Close is Nobbs, a woman, posing as a man, to fit into a world where she is an outsider in more ways than one. Set in 19th century Ireland,  Albert Nobbs, follows Nobbs who works in a hotel as a man servant whose dedication to service is unsurpassable. As was typical of the time, in this hotel, a doctor has an affair with one of the maids, another staff member, a pretty, young thing, finds herself impregnated by an itinerant worker, and a horrific epidemic of typhoid fever closes the hotel. All the while, quiet, demure Alfred Nobbs goes about his business, sensibly saving his pennies, under the floorboards in his sparse room, so he can one day fulfill his dream and open a tobacconist's shop. The twist in the film comes in the fact that not only does Nobbs pose as a man, but he/she longs to have a relationship with a woman, in a time far removed from terms like gender-ambiguity and alternative lifestyle.<br /><br /> Nobbs eyes fall on the aforementioned servant, who fines herself in a family way. Helen (Mia Wasikowska) likes Nobbs, but more than anything she wants away from her menial life. Note, however, she has no idea of Nobbs sexuality. She falls instead for the  wrong type, who steers young Helen to step out with Albert as a means for them to acquire money and run away together. As I look back over this, Close and Banville s story has all the makings of something interesting, but its delivery never moves above dull and monotonous - except that is for Close s performance, which is utterly mesmerizing.<br /><br /> Close s transformation outside of the necessary costuming, comes almost completely from the omission of make-up on her part (except for perhaps the nearly powder-white base). Truthfully, I am certain a make-up artist has a hand in Close s external change, but more of the transformation comes from Close s performance than from any other aspect of wardrobe or artistry. Knowing little about the film or its premise, when I first began watching, I assumed, wrongly, that Close, most simply, chose a role to play a man - a fact that perplexed me a bit, and one that she soon dispelled. Gay in a time when just being a woman in a man s world proved nearly impossible, Nobbs must tread lightly and hide more than just his/her gender. Fortunately, she meets Mary (Maria Doyle Kennedy), who lives the life Nobbs longs for. Still, after thirty years of service as a man, Nobbs find herself trapped in a world of her own making  one that has her unable to find happiness.<br /><br /> Ultimately, Nobbs is an extremely sad soul. His efforts to woo the self-centered Helen don t appear sexual in nature at all, but rather as a desperate attempt to have someone with whom to share life, allowing himself to be played and finally heart-broken. And Close captures each and every emotion flawlessly. Her Nobbs and Streep s Thatcher are the faces to watch on Oscar night, although I love other nominees almost as much.<br /><br /> Perhaps I might stretch a little and say that  Albert Nobbs is a missed opportunity to truly explore the lives of people like Mary and Albert  theirs is a timely theme and one steeped in controversy. Unfortunately, the film s sobering pace proves problematic and its end so somber I felt downtrodden as the credits rolled. Still there is no discounting the amazing cast and Close s perfect performance, nor can I ignore the impressive costuming, sets and soundtrack. I am placing a B in my grade book.  Albert Nobbs will open in art theatres and will probably never garner a large audience showing, which is unfortunate since Close deserves to be seen.<br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline">Laurie Coker, True View Reviews</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div> <!--<div class="reviewpane"> <a name="B" /> <p class="h1"> RENEE' COLLINS' REVIEW<br /> RATING: 5 (Out of 5 Reels)</p> <p> <br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline"> Renee' Collins, Renee's Reel Reviews</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div>--> <div class="reviewpane"> <a name="C" /> <p class="h1"> ELIZABETH LOPEZ' REVIEW<br /> RATING: A</p> <p> One of my favorite films from the Austin Film Festival last October arrives in theaters this weekend in many cities in Texas. Featuring Glenn Close as  Albert Nobbs, a film she also co-wrote and produced, she gives viewers an excellent performance and one I believe she truly deserves recognition for with the Golden Globe and Oscar nominations to date as Nobbs. Her transformation in the film is quite stunning, but very believable. Glenn Close made her feature film debut in George Roy Hill's  The World According to Garp, that earned her awards. Close has headlined "Damages" on FX for three seasons. The  Nobbs trailer features an original song in the film written by Glenn Close and performed by Sinead O connor. It is impressive how dedicated she has been to the production of the film.<br /><br /> There was a special screening at THE MODERN MUSEUM in Ft. Worth hosted by John and Cami Goff on January 8th with Glenn Close, director Rodrigo Garcia and producer Bonnie Curtis in attendance. It was a Texas welcome and celebration of  Albert Nobbs, especially for producer Curtis, born in Texas and graduate of Abilene Christian University. Curtis worked on the films  Dead Poets Society and  Arachnophobia before working with Steven Spielberg for fifteen-years.<br /><br /> Director Rodrigo Garcia, born in Colombia and raised in Mexico City, was a panelist during the Austin Film Festival and also conducted a Q&A after the screening where he spoke very highly of the work with Glenn Close and helping bring this production to fruition, one that is very dear and long in the making for Close. Garcia is an award winning director for various films with many nominations for others. Garcia directed for the series "Six Feet Under" and "The Sopranos", as well as the pilot episodes for the series "Carnivale" and "Six Degrees" He was nominated for an Emmy for his direction of the pilot for "Big Love". Garcia also directed 21 episodes of the first season of HBO's acclaimed half-hour drama "In Treatment", where he also served as writer, executive producer and show runner for the project.<br /><br /> Rodrigo Garcia directs from a script that Glenn Close, along with Man Booker prize-winning novelist, John Banville and Gabriella Prekop, adapted from a short story by Irish author George Moore. Award winning actress Close s performance as a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland is one not to be missed. The excellent story and script of a woman trying to survive is compelling, for after thirty years of acting as a man purely out of need, she is stuck there and finds herself attracted to Helen (Mia Wasikowska), yet finds a much needed kinship with the character performed by Janet McTeer, also who has been nominated for her very impressive performance.<br /><br /> The film has an international cast that includes Aaron Johnson (Joe), Brendan Gleeson (Dr. Holloran) Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Brenda Fricker and Pauline Collins.<br /><br /> For people who are seeking a great story with outstanding performances that are well worth the money at the theater, this is the film to see this weekend. On all points it is recommended, especially if someone is unfamiliar with this story of a woman trying to survive historically and for many, it is a survival very familiar to women in today s world and economy.<br /><br />  ALBERT NOBBS opens on January 27, 2012 in San Antonio at the Bijou Cinema Bistro and Embassy 14 Theatres and in Austin, at the Regal Arbor Cinemas and Cinemark Hill Country Galleria 14.<br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline"> Elizabeth Lopez, Cine y Mas</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div> <!--<div class="reviewpane"> <a name="D" /> <p class="h1"> MARK SALDANA'S REVIEW<br /> RATING: 2 (Out of 4 Stars)</p> <p> <br /><br /> </p> <br /> <p class="byline"> Mark Saldana, The Movie Doc</p> <a href="#top" class="backtotop">(Top)</a> </div>--> <div class="reviewpane"> <div class="footer"> <!-- The certification section displays the W3C certification for the page. --> <div class="cert"> <a href="http://validator.w3.org/check?uri=referer"> <img src="../../graphics/valid-xhtml10.gif" alt="Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional" class="w3c" /></a> <br /> <a href="http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/images/vcss-blue"> <img src="../../graphics/vcss-blue.gif" alt="Valid CSS!" class="w3c" /></a> </div> <!-- The copyright sections include the copyright disclimers at the bottom of the page --> <div class="copyright"> <img alt="copyright1" src="../../graphics/copyright1.png" /> </div> <div class="copyright2"> <img alt="copyright2" src="../../graphics/copyright2.png" /> </div> <div class="copyright3"> <img alt="copyright3" src="../../graphics/copyright3.png" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </body> </html>