Movie Review: Albert Nobbs

Glenn Close plays a woman who lives as a man to make a living in 19th century Ireland.
Jerry Williams
Jerry Williams
February 10, 2012

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GlennClose

The “uncanny valley” is a robotics/animation term that describes the subtle area between looking human and looking creepy. That’s where Glenn Close resides in this film. She plays a woman who lives as a man to make a living in 19th century Ireland, but the peculiar makeup is never convincing. Ironically, Janet McTeeer, who also plays another woman-as-a-man, easily passes. If you look pass this technicality, you’ll find a quiet, sad film about a quiet, sad person who’s trying to cope with her unusual existence. There’s a solid supporting cast and some enjoyable subplots, but the deliberate pacing prevents the film from ever building up much steam. Well-crafted in the “Masterpiece Theatre” style, but insignificant and predictable in the drama.

GAY ANGLE: With 2 women living in drag, it’s still questionable if they’re lesbians.

    Jerry Williams reviewed movies for WTVR-TV for 14 years and for Style Weekly for 10 years. When he launched his own website in 1998 at TVJerry.com, he took his reviews to the Internet. Through those hundreds of reviews, Jerry kept his sexual orientation muted. So, he's excited to be adding "gay angles" to his postings for GayRVA.com.