- Cast: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aaron Johnson, Brendan Gleeson, Janet McTeer, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Mark Williams, Pauline Collins, Brenda Fricker, Bronagh Gallagher, John Light, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Annie Starke, Emerald Fennell, Kenneth Collard, Serena Brabazon, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Daniel Costello
- Director: Rodrigo García
- Writers: Glenn Close, John Banville, George Moore, Gabriella Prekop
- Producers: Glenn Close, Bonnie Curtis, Julie Lynn, Alan Moloney
- Executive Producer: Pierre-Francois Bernet
- Art Direction: Susie Cullen
- Casting: Amy Hubbard
- Costume Design: Pierre-Yves Gayraud
- D.O.P.: Michael McDonough
- Editor: Steven Weisberg
- Makeup: Clare Lambe
- Music: Brian Byrne
- Production Design: Patrizia von Brandenstein
- Set Decoration: Jenny Oman
Storyline
In 19th century Dublin, Albert Nobbs, an eccentric man in the latter part of middle age, works as a waiter in Morrison's Hotel run by the stingy and controlling Marge Baker. Albert is hard working and saves his money so that one day he will be able to eke out a better life for himself by owning his own business rather than work at the hotel. Beyond his work colleagues, he is all alone in the world.
One day, a man named Hubert Page is hired by Mrs. Baker to paint one of the rooms in the hotel. She forces Hubert to share Albert's bed for the one night he is required to stay to complete the work, much to Albert's horror. Hubert discovers the reason Albert did not want to share a room with him. But rather than the issue being a problem, Hubert shows Albert that he can follow a slightly different life path than the one he envisioned for himself - one closer to the life that Hubert leads with his wife Cathleen - which includes getting married and having a wife to support him emotionally.
Albert's choice as a bride is his younger flirtatious co-worker Helen Dawes, who, unknown to Albert, is already in a sexual relationship with the brusque and sly Joe Mackins, another co-worker recently arrived to Morrison's. As Albert, Helen and Joe play their respective games of courtship, Albert may find that what seemed to come naturally to Hubert may be more difficult for him.
Basic Information
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Filming Locations: Dublin, Ireland
- MPAA Warning: Some sexuality, brief nudity and language
- Production Budget: $8 million
- Production Companies: Chrysalis Films, Mockingbird Pictures, Parallel Film Productions, WestEnd Films
- Production Schedule: 13 December 2010 - 28 January 2011
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Trivia
2011 Guide Analysis: "With filming about to get underway in Ireland, this long-gestating adaptation of the acclaimed off-Broadway stage play "The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs" is finally happening. With its "Gosford Park"-esque class drama, introspective themes about losing ourselves in order to conform to society, acclaimed helmer Rodrigo Garcia ("Mother & Child," "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her") directing, and a great cast including Glenn Close reprising one of her most famous stage roles from the 80's - it would be a surprise for this to be anything but stellar.
Close herself is said to be personally involved in the writing and the producing of the adaption, and though there have been delays they've all been to refine the project and deliver the best possible interpretation according to sources involved. Presently an early 2012 release date is being targeted, but it's highly likely the film will have some kind of limited release late next year in order to garner a swag of potential award nominations.
Close's chances for a best actress nomination seems almost a fait accompli at this point, while the supporting cast including Michael Gambon, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aaron Johnson, Mia Wasikowska and Janet McTeer along with director Garcia are likely to get some serious consideration should this come out right."