Review of Alfie (1966) by Hannibal O — 14 Jul 2008

This was torn apart by critics and it was a huge flop at the box office when it came out. I know why it flopped (that year Jude Law had come out with 5 movies in the span of like 4 months so it was a bit of too much Jude for audiences), but I don't understand why critics disliked it.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the film. Now I haven't seen the original with Michael Caine, but suffice it to say that this was a pretty well done film and I especially liked its unconventional ending.

Alfie is definitely an asshole and he doesn't really stop being one or learn to be a better person. I think some critics took issue with that because they probably felt that Alfie had no character arc and so he didn't redeem himself like he should have in the end.

I say bullshit to that. I agree with the approach the filmmakers took with the character, which was to have him always be selfish and materialistic without ever fully understanding why he is the way he is.

The casting choice was excellent. To be a ladies' man, Alfie has to be handsome and charming and Jude Law has both qualities not to mention the similarities between he and Michael Caine, the original Alfie.

Another thing worth noting was the beautiful cinematography. Everything in this film looks vibrant and stunning and when Alfie's life begins to go downhill, the film's palette is more muted to reflect that.

Some critics felt it was unnecessary to remake this film mainly because the original was a product of its generation. I disagree. I think in every generation you have an Alfie and, moreover, the character reflects different aspects of the current generation.

Today's generation is known for its selfish, me-me behavior and I think Alfie nicely reflects that. Anyway, check out the film. I liked it.