The story, though innovative and ground-breaking when it was first put on the big screen, really doesn’t merit more than a ‘Movie of the Week’ treatment in 2004. The saving grace in this revisioned, contemporized take is Jude Law’s performance. Because he is so devilishly handsome, so talented and likeable on screen, the 2004 “Alfie” has more of a shot at success than this revamped remake deserves.
Back when it was originally released, “Alfie” made a compelling statement about the hedonistic, swinging decade that was the ‘60s. Nominated for five Academy Awards, including one for Michael Caine as Best Actor, “Alfie” was a cinematic experience that helped make Michael Caine a star. Come Oscar time early next year, it’s highly doubtful this “Alfie” will be sharing the same level of success. Jude Law may earn a nod, but the film as a whole doesn’t inspire much enthusiasm.
The story revolves around, obviously, Alfie, a freewheeling playboy/chauffeur who refuses to settle for the companionship of just one woman. Sexy, stylish, and with a body the ladies can’t seem to get enough of, Alfie has his choice of gorgeous women of all ages. Married, single, in a relationship, just been dumped – nothing matters. In the back of a limo or on the couch in a penthouse apartment, Alfie’s ready to give it a go. That is until he makes love to a woman who should have been off-limits. Then everything he believes he knows about living a carefree existence changes. Women have the power to hurt him, and that’s a brand new twist on his free-spirited, sexually promiscuous lifestyle.
The camera loves Jude Law and in “Alfie,” Law’s ease in front of the lens is used to full effect. As Alfie, Law addresses the audience by speaking directly to the camera. It’s the same technique used in the original film and while it’s a bit off-putting at first, it works by helping to bring the audience into Alfie’s world. Even when the guy’s at his least lovable, we’ve got that intimate dialogue going on with him that the other character’s in the film aren’t in on.
As for the women of “Alfie,” there’s definitely more onscreen heat between off-screen couple Law and Sienna Miller than with any of the other women he conquers. But fortunately, there’s a fair amount of sexy, smoldering play between all of the women and Law. Marisa Tomei is adorable as the single mom who only puts up with so much before she gives Alfie the boot. Jane Krakowski looks sexy, which is all that’s really asked of her, and Susan Sarandon turns up the heat as Alfie’s older woman. But let’s face it, the women – even though they are stronger characters than in the original film - are all window dressing. This is Jude Law’s movie. Period. Love him and you’ll love – or at least enjoy - the movie. Feel so-so about Law and the movie falls flat on its face.
Jude Law’s one of a limited group of actors of his age who, even when given the most lifeless material to work with, can manage to pull off a performance with depth. And that’s what Law does with “Alfie.” The plot’s weak and the story bogs down after the first 45 minutes, but Law remains fresh and keeps the film from being just another forgettable remake.
“Alfie’s” a tough film to recommend. Law’s performance is definitely something special, but the movie itself isn’t. If you need to see Jude Law pour on the sex appeal, then by all means take in a screening of “Alfie.” Otherwise, “Alfie’s” nothing to get excited over.
GRADE: Jude Law gets a A-, the movie's only worthy of a C-, so I'll compromise with a B- (but it's not a B- I feel good about awarding).
"Alfie" was directed by Charles Shyer and is rated R for sexual content, some language and drug use.
