Health & Fitness
Albert Nobbs: Glenn Close's Oscar-Nominated Gender-Bending Turn
Glenn Close and Janet McTeer were both nominated for Oscars this week for their roles as women disguised as men in Albert Nobbs.
In Albert Nobbs Glenn Close gives an Oscar-nominated performance as a woman disguised as a man to remain employed as a butler at a 19th Century Irish high society hotel. The initial turning point for Nobbs is when she meets a new cross-dressing employee, played by Janet McTeer. The character, Hubert Page, has lived a pretty unconventional life with another woman. Nobbs is intrigued by this and begins to open herself up to such previously undreamed of possibilities.
The film suggests that even in 1898 there were people who were feeling unconnected to their social gender role expectations. This is in part what makes the film so interesting. How these characters had to hide in order to live in accordance with not only how they felt inside, but what the culture would only expect for certain societal roles, is richly explored.
Close is phenomenal in the role. Most of her acting is in her slight facial expressions that communicate the character's inner voice. Physically she must hold herself in a manner only fitting for a respected butler. Janet McTeer is also deserving of her Oscar nomination this week. She creates a strong, memorable force as Hubert Page, a character who is very comfortable and confident in her skin while also aware of the social stigma that exists around her.
In a sense, the film is about role-playing and an era in which doing so may be the only means to survival. Several of the characters present a social face which is at odds with who they truly are and what skills they really possess.
Other actors who stand-out in this film are Mia Wasikowska as young Helen, a woman who falls for a handsome young hotel worker while also being courted by Nobbs. Pauline Collins is also delightful as the hotel owner. One actor who is underutilized and curiously absent for most of the film is Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Playing one of the high society types, the film hints that his character may also be hiding his homosexuality. His storyline though is not developed and is dropped fairly early in the film.
Overall, this is a beautifully shot and designed film that provides an eye-opening look at socially disenfranchised adults over a century ago. Close may be the best reason to see the film though. She's reached new levels in her role as Nobbs.
