Product Details

• Actors: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
• Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Lions Gate
• DVD Release Date: May 15, 2012
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B007CEFTSA
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,461 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

To his customers, fastidious butler Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close, re-creating her 1982 stage role) is a "kind little man" who works in an upscale Dublin hotel at the turn of the century, prioritizing his position above all other concerns. Little do they know that he isn't really a man and that he dreams of running a tobacco shop. Until then, he's quietly biding his time when two new workers arrive: Joe (Nowhere Boy's Aaron Johnson), a strapping handyman, and Hubert (Oscar nominee Janet McTeer), a swaggering housepainter also passing as a man. After Hubert discovers Albert's secret, they share their stories, and a friendship ensues. Hubert's marriage to a spirited seamstress inspires Albert to find a spouse of his own, so he sets his sights on flighty housemaid Helen (Jane Eyre's Mia Wasikowska). With money in short supply, her erstwhile lover, Joe, encourages her to play along, a move that brings out Albert's tender side while jeopardizing his security. Since the script avoids any mention of sex, it isn't clear where Albert falls on the orientation spectrum; if anything, he comes across as asexual. Director Rodrigo García (Mother and Child) specializes in female-centric scenarios, so his somewhat stagy adaptation of George Moore's novella may seem like a change of pace, except his protagonist switches genders due more to necessity than desire. Though Close gives an admirably controlled performance, Albert's closed-off character makes him more intriguing than sympathetic, though she speaks about him with affection in her commentary track with García. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) gives a "powerhouse performance" (New York Post) as a woman who passes as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men's clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making. Also starring a prestigious international cast including Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Janet McTeer, Brendan Gleeson and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, ALBERT NOBBS is a “terrific” (IndieWIRE) film adapted from the short story by Irish author George Moore.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 66 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Thirty Years In The Making, Glenn Close Finally Brings The Quietly Powerful "Albert Nobbs" To The Big Screen February 27, 2012

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:DVD

The film incarnation of "Albert Nobbs" exists as a tremendous example of perseverance and fortitude. Glenn Close first performed a stage version of the play (adapted from a short story from Irish author George Moore) in 1982. She fell in love with the material and spent the next fifteen years trying to put together a film deal. About ten years ago, the film was finally green-lit but then scrapped when financing fell through. Now almost thirty years after appearing on stage as Albert Nobbs, Close has her opportunity to share this quiet little story with a larger audience. In addition to starring in the piece, she co-wrote the screenplay, acted as a producer, and even wrote the lyrics for the closing song. I think you could call this a labor of love! Although mainstream press reaction has been somewhat mixed, Close has received numerous accolades (as has co-star Janet McTeer) including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. It seems hard to fathom that Close lost out on her previous five nominations and hasn't been in the running since 1988 with "Dangerous Liaisons." But it's certainly good to see her steadfast efforts being recognized.

Close is quite restrained and stoic as the titular Albert Nobbs. Set in nineteenth century Ireland, the film tells the story of a woman (Close) who has dedicated thirty years of her life passing as a man in order to make a living. Stolid and reliable, Albert has squirreled away a small fortune through the years and hopes to realize the dream of becoming a shopkeeper. Seemingly content, Albert's life is upended when he meets McTeer--a painter who has a lot more in common with Albert than it seems possible. This new friend opens up a number of interesting possibilities for Albert, making the point that life does not have to be lived alone. Albert starts to court a young co-worker (still as a man) who may have ulterior motives of her own. The film starts as a study of manners, gets a bit more frisky with the introduction of McTeer, and turns a bit darker as a number of unexpected tragedies strike (both large and small). The play of genders is always fascinating and the idea of living a lie just to get by ends up having quite a bit of resonance.

Close is tight-lipped and reserved throughout. It's a strong performance highlighted as much by what she doesn't say as what she does. McTeer really energizes the picture with enthusiasm and humor, and much of the film's success rests on her shoulders. Two terrific up-and-comers, Mia Wasikowska and Aaron Johnson, also play pivotal roles (much more interesting casting than the originally slated Amanda Seyfried and Orlando Bloom). As Close becomes closer to Wasikowska, the gender bending dynamic evolves in an interesting way. Displaying both male and female impulses inwardly, Albert both wants to take care of the young lady and have a confidante. The cast is rounded out by a stable of reliable British actors including Pauline Collins, Brenda Fricker, Brendan Gleeson, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The movie has a quiet power. In the long run, it may not be for everyone. It's a little reserved at times, at others the plotting veers toward melodrama. But in the end, the actors ground the piece and make it worth investing in. Close and McTeer really provide one of the year's most fascinating screen couples. KGHarris, 2/12.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful! April 10, 2012

By Molly

Format:DVD

This is by far the best movie I have seen in years. Glenn close's finest work. The movie emphasizes the plight of women in 19th Century Ireland. If it was not for Meryl Streeps unbelievable portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, there is no doubt Glenn Close would have got the Oscar. Janet McTeer did an awesome job. It is a pity in this day and age that movies like this do not break the box office and movies like "hunger games" make a gazillion dollars. If you like real acting and a good story this movie is for you

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very well done. February 29, 2012

By Robert G. Splaine Jr.

Format:DVD

A woman works at a hotel and has been living as a man for most of her life. She dreams of one day owning her own business. She comes across another woman living such a life, and also goes about courting a lady that she works with. This is a charming film that depicts the difficulty of a double life and achieving your dreams. Glenn Close is quite convincing as a woman passing herself off as a man and the performances of all the players are outstanding. The Albert Nobbs character is very likeable and I found myself hoping for something positive to come out of the man's/woman's experience. The film is never slow, and every aspect of the movie is very well done. This is a good one to see.