What's it all about Alfie?

Alfie : Whenever you meet a beautiful woman, just remember somewhere there's a man who's sick of shagging her.

I might just be the only one in my demographic to have seen the original movie Alfie. If you've never seen the original and haven't seen it on the big screen the past weekend, here's the movie in a nutshell. What's the movie about: A philosophical womanizer is forced to question his seemingly carefree existence.

Original Movie Facts:

Several well-known actors (including Laurence Harvey (I) and Anthony Newley) turned down the title role due to the then taboo subject matter of abortion. Despite having played "Alfie" on Broadway, actor Terence Stamp categorically declined to reprise the role on film, thus giving his good friend and then roommate Michael Caine (I) the breakthrough role of his career.

*Liezel's movie corner* (I know, I haven't reviewed a movie once yet on my blog. Movie-Fan my ass...) ;)

Liezel's notes: Watching the remake with Jude Law the other night got me thinking. You can't help but feel the movie industry has developed something of an obsession with rehashing the high points on Michael Caine's CV. Some would say that some were unfortunate enough to sit through F. Gary Gray's appalling take on The Italian Job. I happened to like the remake of that classic with Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron. And who could forget the bizarre decision hand Sylvester Stallone the lead role in 2000's 'Get Carter'? (Now that was a horrible idea)

This new version of 'Alfie' is, thankfully, much better than the Get Carter remake - but that couldn't prevent me from wondering why anyone felt the need to make it in the first place. I mean, let's face it, the original 'Alfie' is a film where not a lot actually happens - so the fact that it IS original is fairly important. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm saying it's a bad film. It's just that showing us it all again in this day and age seems a completely worthless exercise.

"If movies are our generation's philosophy, then Alfie is Socrates."
- Fred Topel

Liezel's take on the movie:
I love having Jude Law talk to me directly. The camera addressing gag doesn’t always work, but Alfie is so cool he’s awesome. My mode of comparison was not Michael Caine, but rather Hugh Grant in About a Boy, these asshole guys with values that should be morally reprehensible but somehow they make sense and you could see where they’re coming from.


It’s also a phenomenal way to get to know a character. You don’t have to do fake conversations where supporting characters say, “You’re so…” or “Remember that last girl you dated…” He’s telling you his philosophy in a superficial way that reveals his inner workings. Like Hugh Grant’s units of time and single mother dating theory, Alfie has it all figured out.

Back to the camera talking gag, I first saw this trick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. (My most favorite movie, by the way) I think it works when the character is so cool and admirable that you want to go with him. When the character is lesser, it seems desperate, like, “Please treat me like a cool guy. I’m talking to you through the screen!” Jude Law makes us feel like he's inviting us into his world. He times his glances at the camera perfectly, just like he would give his best friend a glance if we were all hanging out together.

The film is shot with an aggressive style that matches Alfie’s personality. Mixing jump cuts, freeze frames and the occasional still montage, it’s punctuates the film’s messages rather than overshadowing them. Alfie is always on the go, always observing and judging his surroundings, so this style keeps up with his pace and helps us see through his eyes.

Incidentally, after writing the preceding paragraphs, I rewatched the original Alfie. It’s very leisurely though equally daring in its topics. As such, I don’t think there’s really any comparison. It’s just a different interpretation of the character, and since we already have the first one, there’s no reason not to enjoy this.

My favorite movie quotes:

Alfie : My understanding of women only goes as far as the pleasure. When it comes to the pain I'm like any other bloke - I don't want to know.

Alfie : You know what? When I look back on my little life and the birds I've known, and think of all the things they've done for me and the little I've done for them, you'd think I've had the best of it along the line. But what have I got out of it? I've got a bob or two, some decent clothes, a car, I've got me health back and I ain't attached. But I ain't got me peace of mind - and if you ain't got that, you ain't got nothing. I dunno. It seems to me if they ain't got you one way they've got you another. So what's the answer? That's what I keep asking myself - what's it all about? Know what I mean?

I give it a 3 1/2 stars for a remake. See it. I recommend you to do so. :)