I saw Albert Nobbs for the first time about two years ago. I never remember details from films, but I do remember feelings and impressions. I remember having difficulty watching it, finding it disturbing. The other night, wanting to watch something "British" I chose to watch it again. This time I actually turned it off about half way through. Afterward I came to IMDb and read several of the reviews to see if others felt as I did. For the most part, they did not, but bits and pieces of several reviews made me realize what about it bothered me so much. And that was, notwithstanding the fine acting job by Glenn Close, and the others, the character of Albert Nobbs was not believable for several reasons. Perhaps the top reason is how stupid he was. I cannot give specific examples, but just in general, he was not only passive, and impassive, but just downright slow. I also found his little outburst when the character J. McTeer played was in his room, also unbelievable, and only believable if I blamed his stupidity. How could he not know to keep his voice down, and not shriek and carry on freely as he did? And, with regard to his interaction with Mia W.'s character, I mean come on. Did he really think this pretty and flighty young woman would actually fall for him?At first, I thought it was just his being pathetic that made me turn it off before the end. Now I realize that his being intellectually limited was inseparable from how pathetic he appeared.This, combined with, as another reviewer said, his not really looking like a man, being so slight with narrow waist and shoulders, made it all really hard to swallow.

Glenn Close's 2011 film adaptation of an 1918 book by Irish writer George Moore titled "The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs" has received mixed and sometimes unappreciative reviews. Some reviewers could perhaps be numbered among those who hold their own predefined expectations and tend to impose preconditions on movies. Ideas such as there should be certain types of story line, that there should be a build-up and climax, that there should be lots of action or exciting bits, lots of special effects or what ever. Reminds me of a 1970 song: Flowers are red young man, Green leaves are green, There's no need to see flowers any other way, Than the way they always have been seen. (forgive my rant) How then about a film that has few of these schoolboyish tags attached to it? How about a movie that, instead of candy and popcorn, has a thoughtful storyline which is illustrated with brilliant historic and social accuracy. A film that, like a really excellent meal, does not have to rely on lots of sauces, sprinkles, and fancy arrangements, but instead is built on first class ingredients, knowledgeable and careful preparation, balanced mixing and cooking, all of which result in a film with beautifully rich texture and characters that are not mere caricatures. A film that lingers many days after watching it.Portraiture, so to speak, is in my opinion, the core strength of the film, and that to a high degree, begins with the highly creative adaptation of the original text. This adaptation adds depth and colour to the characters to a level not found in the original. Not only are the characters very well defined, the backgrounds and settings are exquisitely detailed and accurately painted.Glenn Close gives her character Albert a wonderful depth and texture. Her acting is superb and convincing to the point where, initially not knowing much about the story or the film, I was completely taken in by her Albert and did not recognise him/her as Glenn Close. Janet McTerr plays a blinder as Mr. Page giving us a portrayal which is both deep, convincing and compassionate. By highlighting these two ladies, I, in no way, wish to take from the many other parts played to a level where the observer can feel like they are watching a historical documentary and not fiction. The Irish accents are superbly handled, the acting is restrained and never overplayed, a really great job by the players.I believe that this film has been, to a great extent, overlooked by the critics and the general public. My hope is that it's image will mature with the public similar to the way that "2001 A Space Odyssey", which initially was beyond the limited scope of many critics and reviewers, and because of that, took some time to be fully appreciated, finally got the recognition it deserved.

In 19th century Dublin, Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) is a woman living as a man in order to work as a hotel waiter. She is a very particular man who has been saving to buy a tobacco shop. She gets found out when the owner Mrs. Baker (Pauline Collins) hires painter Hubert Page (Janet McTeer) and puts him in her room. Then Hubert reveals that he is also a woman. Unemployed Joe Mackins (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) lies his way into the hotel to get the job of repairing the boiler. Joe is soon sleeping with the maid Helen Dawes (Mia Wasikowska). Albert starts courting Helen but Joe convinces Helen to steal the money for passage to America.It's somewhat fascinating to see the cross-dress acting but the story is really slow. The mannerisms are so odd that it is offputting. Also we know who Glenn Close is and some even Janet McTeer. There is something missing when we know that they are OBVIOUSLY women although nobody is suppose to know. There is a good sense of danger from discovery. However it needs to do much more. None of the characters are sympathetic. Nobbs is delusional. Joe is an obvious creep. Helen is just as much of a schemer or really dumb. I don't think I care for any of the characters.

'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!