Albert Nobbs Directed by: Rodrigo García Starring: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Janet McTeer Rating: R Release Date: January 27, 2012 (Oscar-qualifying run at end of 2011 expected)
TRAILER SCORE: 4/10
Thoughts by TSR: Ever since I first heard about this project I’ve been looking for reasons to go easy on it. First and foremost is how much it means to Glenn Close. It’s been her passion project for years, and as such I’ve been rooting for her success. Then there’s director Rodrigo García. I’ve never particularly liked his film work, but he has directed episodes of two of my favorite shows (“Six Feet Under,” “Carnivàle”). Thanks to that – and a stellar cast – I’ve been holding out hope this might be the first of his films I like. Unfortunately this tonally confused mess of a trailer doesn’t give me much reason for optimism.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a couple things I do like. Glenn Close looks wonderful in the title role of a woman who dresses like a man in order to find work in 19th century Ireland. It looks to be a quiet performance, but I fully expect her to be in the best actress conversation this awards season. Janet McTeer, playing a woman in a similar situation, isn’t showcased as much, but looks very good all the same. One other part of the trailer worthy of mention is the period work. I love a handsome looking period piece, and the art direction and costumes both look very well done.
After that, however, it’s all downhill. The tone of this trailer is all over the place. It begins like a lighthearted romp, quickly turns into a serious film about a woman struggling with her identity, and ends by cranking up the sentiment. The middle part – which focuses mostly on Close and McTeer – works best, but I have a hard time appreciating it as much as I want to because of the jarring tonal shifts on either side. Not helping matters is the dreadful voice-over that plays during the first portion, which rivals Sinead O’Connor’s singing over the latter portion for my least favorite aspect of the trailer.
I’m hoping this trailer is simply a case of poor marketing. If it is an accurate representation, then I’m afraid all the good vibes I’ve been sending this film's way will have been for naught. Albert Nobbs the character may be having an identity crisis… here’s hoping Albert Nobbs the film doesn’t follow suit.