A week ago, I went to the cinema to see Wimbledon and Alfie. I usually write my reviews on films as soon as I can after seeing them, so this one may be a bit hazy. I have just bought a lovely photo of Jude Law off Ebay though, so I guess it left some impression. Yes, I admit it, the lasting impression of Alfie is a rather sexy Jude Law smiling charmingly into the camera. Who said I was complaining?
Now, I haven’t seen the 1966 version of the film starring Michael Caine, although apparently my Mum saw it in the cinema at the time. Having read a few online interviews with Jude and director Charles Shyer, they seem to have to answer criticisms of ‘dumbing down’ Alfie’s original character. Caine’s Alfie was misogynistic, using women and discarding them cruelly. Law’s Alfie is softer, but he argues that today’s world means he has to be more of a charmer for women to be taken in by him.
I agree with this. Jude Law’s portrayal of Alfie is a good one. He is a smooth talker; he gets away with anything by a quick flash of his ultra-cute grin and a quick quip. He dresses well and takes care of his appearance. He is appealing to women and who
can blame them?
Of course, there is another side to him and one which becomes more apparent as the film goes on. The method of using ‘asides’ is employed effectively here. From the start, Alfie confides in his audience, voicing his motivations to the camera, drawing you into his confidence. While being critical of his actions, you can’t help but admire him in a warped way. He goes for what he wants and usually gets it.
For me, the first time I could see the bad behind the façade of good, was when he had sex with his best friend’s ex-girlfriend. This one selfish incident begins a chain of events which eventually make Alfie realise just how much his thoughtless lust has cost him.
On one level, Alfie would be the envy of many men. He has a regular girlfriend, Julie (Marisa Tomei) who is a single mum and initially content to have him turn up when he feels like it. He also has a string of regular lovers like Dorie (Jane Krakowski) – a glamorous bored wife he regularly picks up in his taxi, the back of his taxi to be precise!
When he meets a long-haired blonde – Nikki (Sienna Miller) - on Christmas Eve, he decides he doesn’t want to spend the festive season alone and moves her in – until he gets bored, of course. He loves being in control, he doesn’t know anything different. He calls the shots, writes the rules and discards his women when he feels like it.
One day, he drives a wealthy middle-aged couple out on a shopping spree in an expensive boutique. The woman, Liz (Susan Sarandon) is flirty and intriguing. Will Alfie be able to bed her as easily as he does the other women he fancies? And will he be able to control her in the same way he can control his other sexual partners?
Now you may feel I have given away a bit too much of the plot here, but don’t worry, there are plenty of surprises left and the main part of the film is less what goes on in front of the camera and more what happens inside Alfie’s mind. He is forced to look at things differently, which is a shock. He has always felt on top of everything (usually quite literally!) and able to decide how things turn out. When he becomes truly aware of the content of his life, he realises his dismissive attitude to relationships has really left him alone and sad.
Jude Law is an excellent actor. He is believable and convincing as Alfie, whether he’s being arrogant or vulnerable. His eyes sparkle with mischief and humour, while his mouth twists with a selfish passion which he needs to expend. You love him, but hate him. Either way, he’s dangerous but irresistible.
All the cast are well chosen though and play their parts with aplomb. Susan Sarandon shows it’s still possible to be gorgeous and sexy at almost sixty. Her role is a central one and she easily manages to be just as desirable as her younger female co-stars.
The plotline around Alfie’s best friend is an interesting one. Marlon (Omar Epps) is a lovable man but one you feel sure that he wishes he was a bit more like Alfie in some ways. The one night stand that Alfie has with Marlon’s lover Lonette (Nia Long) alters all the dynamics of their friendships and by the end of the film, you are wondering who ended up happier?
The film is fast-paced with plenty to watch, set in a stunning New York setting. There are several arty touches which yell ‘I’m being clever’, including a repeated use of key words on walls and billboards. Add to this the ‘asides’ used by Law’s Alfie and it feels that it should be an absolutely brilliant film, as it tries so hard. But somehow, it isn’t.
That’s not to say it’s a bad film. It’s worth watching and of course, which woman would consider 103 minutes of staring at Jude Law to be a waste of time? Not I. But I came out of this film somewhat confused and vaguely disappointed. In contrast, I left the cinema after watching Wimbledon feeling happy and warm inside and vowing to buy the DVD. After Alfie, I bought the photo of Jude Law. Nuff said.
Pictures of Alfie (DVD)
Jude pic I bought
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Drama - Director: Bill Hays - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Denholm Elliott, Barry Foster, Nigel Stock, Garrick Hagon
Production Year: 1989 - Drama - Director: Ken Cameron - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Nicole Kidman, Denholm Elliott, Hugo Weaving, Joy Smithers, Norman Kaye, Jerome Ehlers, Judy Morris
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
"What's it all about, Alfie?" asked the hit Burt Bacharach/Hal David title song, to which ... more
the less philosophical answer might be: an amoral young man comically seducing a succession of beautiful women in swinging-sixties London. Michael Caine was the t...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Alfie is not really a bad sort. Its just that he has this overwhelming desire for the ... more
opposite sex. You might say that 'birds' are irresistable to him, sort of second nature.With Michael Caine in the title role, Alfie is a ribald and wild comedy, fille...
"What's it all about, Alfie?" asked the hit Burt Bacharach/Hal David title song, to which ... more
the less philosophical answer might be: an amoral young man comically seducing a succession of beautiful women in swinging-sixties London. Michael Caine was the t...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Michael Caine stars as Alfie a Cockney Casanova in this outstanding example of 1960s ... more
British filmmaking. Alfie is a good-looking charmer who finds that the Swinging Sixties are a great time to be around in. He's always able to sweet-talk women into...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Jude Law is fantastic as the loveable rogue. A great cast and excellent screenplay, fantastic soundtrack Disadvantages: A little slow in places but more than made up for by everything else
Andy.mack 28.02.2005 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Alfie (DVD)
Advantages: Jude Law is fantastic as the loveable rogue. A great cast and excellent screenplay, fantastic soundtrack Disadvantages: A little slow in places but more than made up for by everything else
Andy.mack 28.02.2005 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Alfie (DVD)
![Alfie [DVD] [1965]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78549467.jpg "Alfie [DVD] [1965]")
Oct 29th, 2004
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