Albert Nobbs is an unfortunate little film, about an unfortunate little man. The title character, played by Glenn Close, has been living as a man for most of his life, currently working as a waiter in 19th century Dublin, keeping quiet and still as much as possible - literally, at times, trying to blend into the wallpaper. Albert's world is shaken up when he meets Hubert Page, played by Janet McTeer, who has also been passing as a man for many years, but has found a way to live very happily. Albert starts to dream, and decides to focus his newfound ambition on opening a tobacco store (even though he doesn't smoke) and on marrying Mia Wasikowska's grumpy young housemaid, who is smitten with a newcomer to the hotel where they work.
Albert's impractical dreams are only one of his annoying characteristics, and the overcrowded plotting, including an outbreak of typhoid, unwanted pregnancy, and the challenge of illiteracy drag the film in too many pointless directions. There's also a wide cast of characters, including Jonathan Rhys-Myers as a hedonistic noble, Brendan Gleeson as a dissolute doctor who seems permanently installed at the hotel, and a slew of other guests and workers, all of whom could have the word "annoying" affixed before their names.
McTeer is terrific as the bold Hubert, but she too is forced into some awkward scenes by the convoluted and occasionally ridiculous script. Close disappears into Albert's nearly invisible presence very successfully, but the character is so hopeless, it's impossible not to be frustrated. Close is certainly one of our greatest actors, but this will not be the year she breaks her personal Oscar curse.
Albert Nobbs is playing at the Landmark Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge.
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