I understand she was lonely. But as far as the business idea, why not just take the money, buy a shop, and run it alone? Why did she have to have a wife to do that? If she felt she HAD to have a shop-girl, she could hire someone. Why did she think it had to all depend on marrying that girl?
shareSee I think it had to do with status and the illusion of being a man. Of course it would bring into question from the public how come a young couple never had children but bridges can be crossed. The thing is though I think Albert was also partially attracted to Helen and his/her dream had to include her.
shareI think most people missed the point. When Albert asks the Doctor about a woman at the front of the shop he is referring to himself not Helen. Helen only became part of the idea after meeting with Mr. Page and his wife in the following scene. When Albert meets Kathleen he says to Mr. Page, and I paraphrase, that she is different than he thought and Mr. Page asks in what way(?) to which Albert replies "she's real". I believe Albert was going to try and pull off both parts, but then realized that with a real woman this would be easier. This was so obvious to me, because Albert wanted to make sure he could live his life just as free as a woman as he has as a man. Just a thought.
shareI don't think Albert was lonely. I see her like a "Rainman" type character - without any social connections, nor desire for them. Not even knowing what she was missing.
In order to protect herself after the rape, she disguised herself and then isolated herself so no one would suspect. Any social/sexual concepts atrophied or she never developed them. She protected herself by having no real feelings anymore.
Without the social experience, and desperately needing to blend in to maintain her cover and safety, she imitates others.
Her original plan for the shop did not include a girl. I believe she wanted Helen only because Page's example indicated it was "normal" to have a shopgirl. I also don't think Albert was a lesbian - she is permanently numb, asexual, to protect herself. Sex would never have a place in her life, ever. But Mr. Page had a wife so Albert believed she "needed" to wed to make things look "normal."
I agree entirely tkech. This is my understanding of the film as well - very well put, if I may say so.
shareIt's a lezzer movie.
Albert and Hubert are females that became men due to circumstances but realised that they had feelings for other women.