This time last year Oscar forecasters had predicted that Glenn Close would be in the awards conversation for her performance in Albert Nobbs. They were right. Close has been nominated lots already and looks like a deadlock Oscar nomination.
I would argue that it's hers to lose though.
In the movie Albert Nobbs, Glenn Close plays the titular character, a woman living in 19th century Ireland, who has disguised herself as a man so she can work and survive and one day open her own small business. The role requires her to put up a wall, to remain closed and cut off emotionally, so she doesn't give herself away. As a result, we are too detached from the character and quickly lose interest in her plight. This is a hard performance to master.
You may have trouble finding Close convincing at all as a man. I believe that if you suspend your disbelief, there is still a lot to be admired about her performance. There is one scene where Albert recounts an episode of abuse that is heartbreaking. It's at least one moment where Close allows the character to open up emotionally. My friends certainly found it hard to believe any of it, and I worry that audiences may not accept the facade either.
On paper, Glenn Close has all the makings of a Best Actor winner. Her career spans 4 decades, this is 'her time', she has been nominated for 5 Oscars but never won, her last nomination was in 1989 for Dangerous Liasons, she not only takes on the challenge of Albert Nobbs but she had a hand in writing the script and raising funds. This is her passion project.
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Oscar voters are at all passionate about her performance probably because they don't particularly like the character.
Poor Glenn Close.
This is not going to be her year.
0 comments:
Post a Comment