ALBERT NOBBS
CAROLINE: I was eagerly anticipating Albert Nobbs after hearing about what a labor of love it was for Glenn Close to get it made. It came out in limited release last year and is now going wide. It’s kind of a strange little movie.
RYAN: I don’t think it’s strange. It’s not what I expected, thank goodness, because I assumed it would be quiet and boring. But I didn’t find it strange. I thought it was dramatic and heartbreaking.
CAROLINE: I hear you, it just surprised me in its bleakness. But it’s no shock Glenn got nominated for an Oscar – it must have been an incredibly challenging role. And the makeup! Did she really look like a dude to you? I couldn’t decide.
RYAN: Oh 100 percent! If we didn’t know her, we’d totally just see man. Same with her fellow Oscar nominee Janet McTeer, in the supporting category.
CAROLINE: She was very good, though I wasn’t as blown away by her performance as I expected to be. I’d probably read too much about the movie before I saw it.
RYAN: I’m over Mia Wasikowska. She’s just bland to me now.
CAROLINE: Girlfriend needs to quit it with the period pieces lately. I’m ready for something different from her. And what was up with Jonathan Rhys Meyers having the teeniest role? He’s in the movie for approximately 2 minutes.
RYAN: That was tres random. I loved the costumes and sets in this movie. It really makes you feel like you’re back in this time period, and then especially since the story is so “of the time.”
CAROLINE: Yes, it captured the era perfectly. It’s very Gosford Park and Upstairs, Downstairs meets Just One of the Guys and Tootsie. Especially that scene when Janet McTeer reveals her boobies. Hello – that was straight out of Just One of the Guys. For you young ‘uns, that’s an awesome ’80s movie you should rent.
RYAN: It’s interesting to see this film as a feminist, or equal rights advocate. It’s amazing how far we’ve come and yet how far we’ve yet to go.
CAROLINE: It’s definitely a thought provoking movie. Can you imagine if your only means of survival was to pretend to be a man so you could get work? Glenn really captures the loneliness and desperation of the character.
RYAN: I like how unpredictable the movie is. There were actually some moments that caught me off guard.
CAROLINE: OMG totally. But I didn’t love the end; it really surprised me, and not in a good way. But up until then, I really enjoyed this movie. It’s a powerful film, definitely for the artsier set. But hello, Aaron Johnson, the hottie from Kick-Ass! Loved seeing him in this, especially since I didn’t know he was in it. That was a pleasant surprise.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: This movie really surprised me. It’s much more entertaining than I thought it would be. It’s an engaging, dramatic story, award-worthy performances and well directed. I could easily sit through it again. It isn’t for everyone, but if you like period pieces and want to see the two Oscar nominated performances, it’s very easily watchable.
CAROLINE: Yes, for a good chunk of the movie, I was thinking, “Wow this is one of the best movies I’ve seen this year.” But then the ending threw me for a loop. I don’t think I’d put in my top 10 for 2011, but it’s incredibly well made and acted and seems very authentic to its time period. I was impressed. But it’s kind of a downer in some ways. Not for everyone, as you said; but if you’re into seeing all the nominated movies, you won’t want to miss this.
— RATING —
