There are a number of thoughtful, excellent reviews of Albert Nobbs already, and I confess that I doubt I can add substantially to them. I did want to note that, unlike several other reviewers, I found the spareness of Albert Nobb's story, as embodied remarkably by Glenn Close, to be extremely compelling rather than empty or limited. It stands, literally and significantly, in vivid contrast to the towering (in every sense!) presence of Hubert Page, played so magnificently by Janet McTeer--and that's part of the point.And now having said the above, I did want to comment on one tiny element in an otherwise very well written and thoughtful review here, by chaz-28, in which that reviewer suggested that camera tricks and/or forced perspective must have been used to create the illusion of McTeer's Mr. Page looming over other characters... Ms. McTeer is 6'1" tall, quite tall enough on her own to do all the looming/towering necessary without any cinematic magic! (I have a pretty good sense of her height, having both a son-in-law and ex who are/were around the same height.) It's a little funny, considering the subject matter of the film itself, to realize how hard it is for folks--even those very impressed with the work--to imagine that a woman might be... well, big as a man!In conclusion... I wholeheartedly recommend this film. It's a stellar example of deep character exploration and development, embedded in a sturdy, engrossing story. More than worth the watch.

To be completely fine, I didn't even end up watching the whole trailer of this movie. I was already so excited about it ! The idea of this waiter being a woman undercover, and than seeing him discovering that he wasn't the only one...it all sounded amazing for an amazing story, that wasn't develop. I really expected much from the plot itself that, I need to say, was poor! The fact that ONLY at the end everyone discover that he's a woman...well that should have been the center of the story, but basically it ended up being a secondary element that we get to remember when he talks with Mary and when he's by himself. I really liked the first scenes though, if you do not watch the trailer in advance, as I silly did, you can never expect this sudden revelation !

'Albert Nobbs' offers Awesome Performances, which in turn, turns out to be its biggest merit. Here's an ensemble cast who deliver the best! 'Albert Nobbs' Synopsis: 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.As a film, 'Albert Nobbs' is depressing & long. The story is saddening & what its characters go through, is unsettling. Even the excessive running-time of over 113-minutes, seems stretched. Glenn Close, John Banville & Gabriella Prekop's Screenplay is tragic, but it has some moments of power. Rodrigo García's Direction is decent. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are super.Performance-Wise: Glenn Close is outstanding as Albert Nobbs. The legendary actress sinks her teeth into the part & brings it out with flying colors. Janet McTeer is incredible in a strong supporting role. Also, The on-screen chemistry between Close & McTeer, is amazing. Mia Wasikowska is splendid. Aaron Johnson is efficient. Brendan Gleeson is a delight to watch.On the whole, 'Albert Nobbs' deserves a watch for its performances!

I remember reading somewhere that Glenn Close has been playing this character on stage for thirty years, and it certainly shows in her performance. Close vanishes so completely into her character that in some scenes, you forget that it's her. It's easy to watch this film simply for the novelty of wondering how a woman could successfully pass herself off as a man, but after the novelty wears off you're exposed to the grayish layers of her marginalized existence, constant fear of being discovered, and what must be unbearable loneliness, all characteristics which Close portrays through her simple facial expressions and even her bodily movements, as she walks around the hotel performing mundane servant's tasks. It's difficult not to feel some sympathy for her simple desire to operate a small tobacco shop and get married to a woman, an idea planted in her head by a towering painter who shares her secret. But her simple desire for domestic bliss is doomed not by her secret, but because she is incapable of demonstrating affection; for Mr. Nobbs, marriage is a philosophical construct, not a conjoining of souls. The end of this film is unbearably sad, made doubly so by a financial injustice that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Despite Close's brilliant performance, the film feels flat; perhaps it's best viewed as a character study, since it seems bereft of story.