Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3943 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-02-21
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 101 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Jude Law's Alfie, much like Michael Caine's in the 1966 original, is what you'd call an unrepentant womanizer. He beds 'em but never weds 'em, and New York provides ample opportunity to continue the process--until reality slaps him in the face. Because Jude Law is, well, Jude Law, you can see why he gets away with it as long as he does, and the actor also pulls off the usually awkward trick of narrating directly to the camera. Neither his Alfie, however, nor director Charles Shyer's remake emerges completely without scratches. Law has a Chesire Cat carnality, but he emanates too much intellect to buy him as the relatively dim bulb he's supposed to be. The film, meanwhile, is a bit soft around the edges; the whole thing would have more resonance if it wasn't quite so intent on watching the unrepentant repent. Regardless, it's a surprisingly thoughtful diversion, and there's fine work from Marisa Tomei, Nia Long, and Susan Sarandon as the women who understandably make Alfie reconsider his ways.--Steve Wiecking

Synopsis
Jude Law stars in this trenchant dramatic-comedy, a remake of the 1966 British counterculture classic that launched the career of Michael Caine. This version is set in New York City and is pumped up with giddy, cleverly experimental editing. The story has Alfie (Law), a Don Juan-esque limo driver, speaking directly to the camera as he seduces the lovely ladies of the city. Eventually he's forced to take stock of the damage he's caused, and acknowledge the emptiness at the core of his chosen lifestyle. Playing the role of Alfie requires a fine balancing act from Law--he must be so charming that he seduces both the audience and himself, while also conveying the self-delusion and sadness at the character's core--and Law is up for the challenge, expertly conveying glimpses of the unfathomed depth beneath his polished shallowness. Equally good are his array of conquests, including Marisa Tomei as a single mom, Sienna Miller as a mood-swinging party girl, and Susan Sarandon as a rich older woman. A soundtrack by Mick Jagger and David Stewart (Eurythmics) adds liberal dollops of self-aware rock-and-roll melancholy. Dick Latessa is great as an old man who offers Alfie some sage advice, and Omar Epps plays the screwed-over limo driving buddy.

Customer Reviews

A rather intriguing little film
Alfie struck me as a most unusual film. I haven't seen the original version of the film featuring Michael Caine, so I went into this film with no expectations as to how things would play out. Things certainly didn't end the way I thought they would - but that it almost surely a good thing. Jude Law's modern Alfie doesn't deserve a fairy tale ending - indeed, such a flowery ending would have betrayed the real meaning of the entire film. Alfie is a charming little devil, but he's the worst kind of man - a womanizer who leaves broken hearts in his wake as he evades commitment and rushes ever onwards to more women, more cheap thrills, and ever more self-satisfaction. It's hard for me to feel too sorry for a guy like this when he eventually discovers that he's nothing but an empty shell and begins to look longingly at the things he doesn't have. He does come to understand exactly what he is by the end of the movie, but I'm not sure he ever reaches the point of redemption. Every time there seems to be some hope that he will change his life, he falls right back into the lifestyle he is supposedly growing tired of. It's important to note that, at the end, he is basically asking "what's it all about?" He still doesn't know - he's been hurt the very way he has hurt so many others, but he never goes beyond the pain to find moral redemption.

Alfie works his way through a number of women in this story: the unhappily married Dorie (Jane Krakowski from Alley McBeal); Julie (Marisa Tomei), the single mother who pretty much starts Alfie wondering about his priorities in life; Lonette (Nia Long), his best friend's girl and ultimately the instrument of Alfie's most painful lesson about his lifestyle; Nikki (Sienna Miller), a somewhat tragic manic-obsessive; and the rich, mature Liz (Susan Sarandon - and, if I'd known she was in this movie, I never would have watched it). When you come right down to it, Alfie is really just a stupid, stupid man who can't even figure out what he should want, yet regrets not having it. I'm not saying he's not intelligent - but he is stupid. No matter how much he wants to change, nothing manages to change him - not a most embarrassing little problem, a health scare involving the favorite part of his body, or even his ultimate realization of how much he has hurt his best friend. The ending is pretty much open-ended, so hope is not lost - but I'm not optimistic for this character, given his track record as shown in this film.

I should clearly state that I think Alfie is a good film - almost a very good film. Jude Law does an excellent job portraying a man who is much more complex than it might seem - and he manages to make all of his little soliloquies to the audience very effective, as they basically provide the insight into whatever soul is lurking behind Alfie's charm and carefree attitude. There's a real, tragically flawed person in there, a man who can't seem to change no matter how much he wants to. Had they wrapped the film's ending up in a pretty little bow, I would have extremely critical of this film. As it is, I seem to like this movie more, the more I reflect upon it - and that's a sign of quality film-making and good story-telling.

Surprisingly good
I must confess to having quite serious reservations over the prospect of this movie. Being a huge fan of Michael Caine - and cinema - it was darn near heresy to remake a classic such as 'Alfie'. But, reluctantly, I watched it.

I have to say it was a thoroughly satisfying experience! I studied film (among other things!) at university, and know first-hand that too many critics can be unnecessarily snobby about the films Hollywood churns out. I've started measuring the film ratings I dispense by the level of contentment I felt afterwards.

'Alfie' is a cracking little movie. It bears little resemblance to the original, and is very much a movie in its own right. The film is an ultra-glossy affair, with Jude Law in great clothes walking through great sets and great locations with great-looking women, living a great lifestyle. You get the idea! It's a snappy story of morals, but without ever becoming too preachy. First and foremost it aims to be a slick romantic comedy, and it pulls it off.

I'd heartily recommend the film. I'm willing to bet you won't take your eyes off it and somewhere, deep down, you'll experience a real sense of satisfaction. Jude Law was made for the role (think Dickie Greenleaf!) and proves he's a star by ably carrying the picture. Ultra-solid support from Susan Sarandon, Marisa Tomei, Nia Long and Sienna Miller provides a nice mix of spices. Give it a shot. You may just like it, even though I was tempted to knock off a star for the monstrously egomaniacal post-movie credits from the director (you'll see what I mean...)

Finally, a good remake?
When I heard about this film my first response was that is was a pointless remake. After watching it I discovered I was absolutely correct... this film adds nothing to the original. True, its slick, well crafted and the cast are all very good, but the sexual politics of the 1960s version simply doesn't transfer well into modern day audience consciousness. In its favour is that it's a good film and for people who have not seen Caine's Alfie or simple don't know it's a re-make the film is an enjoyable journey and drama of a mans life (it's certainly better Stallone's remake of Get Carter). Law is very good as Alfie: slightly smarmy, but ultimately likeable. Rent this film, even if you love the original because it is beautifully constructed, but I wouldn't buy it, it simple does not measure up to the original (but then how often do remakes outshine their predecessors?).