I did something very unusual yesterday afternoon. I went to a movie with a friend. I can count on one hand the number of outings I've had with just my friends in the last, oh, 7 years. I reserve the weekends to spend time with my children. However, I am trying to get to see at least some of the Oscar-nominated movies before the Academy Awards, so I need to get busy.
The film I went to with my friend Dana was Albert Nobbs. It was set in 19th century Dublin, which was a drawing card for me, since I've always wanted to visit Ireland. I also love period films. The makers of the movie were meticulous in the details. It was like stepping back in time.
If you want to see the film and don't like spoilers, don't read more.
In the film, Glenn Close plays a butler in a hotel, Albert Nobbs, a woman posing as a man. She is obviously a tortured soul, but the ability to look and act like a man is amazing. Janet McTeer plays a similar character, but her attitude is much different. She has a "wife." Akbert is obviously far less sure of her orientation. As you can see from the photos below, the transformation of the two actresses was extraordinary.
The one thing that marred the film for me was a young actress named Mia Wasikowski. Albert decides to court one of the parlor maids at the hotel, Helen, played by Mia. She reminds me very much of Alesia. So much so, it made me uncomfortable and sad whenever I saw Mia onscreen.
Anyway, it's a terrific film, although sad. I urge you to go see it.
