Albert Nobbs

This film has three nominations, two for acting, Glenn Close for Best Actress and Janet McTeer for Best Supporting Actress, and the third for Best Makeup.The makeup really is incredible for both Close and McTeer. In an interview Close said that there was actually, surprisingly little makeup used to achieve her very altered look.

Albert Nobbs tells the story of a woman who has been living in late 19th century Dublin as a man for many years in order to obtain and keep work as a butler. A chance encounter sets in motion a change in Albert's way of thinking and about what his life can be. The film exposes issues of class, gender and propriety of the time. The music is often delightfully upbeat and the costumes and sets do a fantastic job of taking the viewer back to another time.

 The cast of this film is yet another recent example of such a strong ensemble of actors. Mia Wasikowska, Brendan Gleeson, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Pauline Collins and Aaron Johnson are all excellent in each of their roles. Jonathan Rhys Meyers even has a small role as a guest of the hotel where Albert works.

Aside from watching the Best Animated Shorts and Best Live Action Shorts this Friday, my Oscar viewing for the year has come to a close. I am so glad that it ended with the experience of watching Albert Nobbs. It was the only film this year that required going to Fox Tower in downtown Portland. I wish that the film had a few more nominations (Costume Design, Score, Song -- Glenn Close not only co-wrote the adapted screenplay, she was a producer and even wrote the lyrics to the song that plays during the closing credits. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for the song). The movie also deserves a Best Picture nomination. I certainly wish that Albert Nobbs had more of a shot at winning some statues.

There is an infamous story in my family about the sister of my mom's co-worker who worked at a Dansk factory outlet store in White Plains NY. One day a delightful, down-to-earth woman was shopping in the store, her identity unknown to the sister. After the customer left, the sister was told who the customer was. The sister was surprised to learn that it was the actress Glenn Close and commented on what a class act and how put together she was. Suffice it to say, my mom and I really like Glenn Close.

Today three more presenters for Sunday's Oscar show were announced: Will Farrell, Zach Galifianakis and Michael Douglas.

And on DVD...
Margin Call

This movie is nominated for Best Original Screenplay. The film centers on the frantic efforts of an investment bank on Wall Street trying to save themselves and their money during the first stages of the 2008 financial crisis. An often covered topic in our current climate, not always entertainingly. The actors, including Zachary Quinto, Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, and Penn Badgley were extremely good. However, I like my entertainment a little more escapist than headline news.