Isn’t this supposed to be a drama? It’s hard to tell from the goofy first half of this trailer, which feels like some lighthearted British comedy. Directed by Rodrigo García (”Mother & Child,” “Nine Lives”), “Albert Nobbs” is a tale of a struggling, penniless woman who has to pose as a man so she can work as a butler in Dublin’s most posh hotel in 19th century Ireland. A passion project by producer and star Glenn Close, the film started out as a short story by Irish author George Moore and was first adapted into an off-Broadway production by Simone Benmussa. It’s been a long time coming for this film as Close starred in that version back in 1982 and won an Obie award for her efforts.
But the tone of this trailer is just odd. Comedic at first, dramatic in the middle and then feel-good inspirational towards the finish line. Yeah, they’re trying to sell this thing, but to who? Other than the Hollywood Foreign Press, of course (in which case the trailer probably comes with a gift bag for them).
At the very least, the film does have a good cast, including Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Brendan Gleeson, Janet McTeer, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Pauline Collins and Brenda Fricker. However our review from TIFF called the film a “stodgily straight drama” so it doesn’t sound like there’s a lot of surprises in this one. Also, is that Sinead O’Connor in there doing what sounds like some kind of ghastly Celine Dion cover song? God lord, what is that? Either way, trailer below, and judge for yourself.
Synopsis:
Award winning actress Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) plays a woman passing 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. Mia Wasikowska (Helen), Aaron Johnson (Joe) and Brendan Gleeson (Dr. Holloran) join a prestigious, international cast that includes Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Janet McTeer, Brenda Fricker and Pauline Collins.