The truth is that today's Alfie (Jude Law) lives in an entirely different world than the Alfie of nearly 40 years ago. The biggest post-'60s changes that come to mind are the legalization of abortion and the long-awaited feminist revolution. The 1966 version was extremely controversial due to its illegal alleyway abortion scene. The 2004 version, on the other hand, finds its controversy in interracial, out-of-wedlock birth. Strangely, however, we find ourselves more concerned with the direction that Alfie's character flaws will take him than the issue of abortion that was so risky in the '60s version.
Alfie lives for the acquisition of two things: wine and women. His job as a limo driver allows him to roam Manhattan looking for women, and quite frankly, Alfie is irresistible. He's got charm, sex appeal and is incredibly attractive. He's also probably one of the first metrosexuals to be portrayed in a film. Alfie loves women, and for the most part, women love Alfie. That is, they love him until they realize that he can't commit. Alfie breaks hearts, which shouldn't be all that surprising considering the reputation that bachelors have. Therefore, the movie becomes increasingly intriguing when Alfie finds himself feeling the emptiness of the loveless life that he's created for himself. "What's it all about?" is the famous question posed by both versions of the movie.
We travel with Alfie through his many relationships, all the while being spoken to by Alfie himself in straight-to-camera narration. We learn about his insights, what he's thinking but isn't saying, and more importantly, we come to understand Alfie and his actions. Alfie remarks more than once in the film: "I'm always fine." But we know the truth. If it weren't for Alfie's confessionals and constant talks, it would be difficult for the audience not to deem this anti-hero as a misogynistic womanizer.
Another reason we find ourselves in love with Alfie is his portrayal by Jude Law, who gives an outstanding performance. He prevents the audience from finding Alfie the least bit despicable, despite his less-than-chivalrous actions. It becomes quite apparent that Law charms the audience as Alfie charms the women he encounters throughout the movie.
"Alfie" begins as a comedy, but becomes progressively serious. Alfie's (in)significant others include Dorie (Jane Krakowski), a lonely married woman; Julie (Marisa Tomei), the single mother and quasi-girlfriend; Nikki (Sienna Miller), the seemingly perfect woman; and Liz (Susan Sarandon), a successful older business woman who seems to be too much like Alfie for their relationship to work. Nia Long also appears in the film as Lonette, the ex-girlfriend of Alfie's best friend, who is played by Omar Epps. After a few drinks and a game of pool, even she can't help being drawn to Alfie. Alfie lives firmly by his no-commitment rule, but finds himself seeking acceptance from the women he hurts-something they won't give him. Alfie may appear to be cocky and sure of himself, but behind the facade lies a man with no way to determine his self-worth. Alfie's been kidding himself. He's got the life he's always wanted, but realizes that nobody wants a life devoid of love. Alfie has to change, but can't do so until he figures out exactly what he should aspire to be.
Jude Law performs amazingly throughout the movie, with charisma radiating off the screen. He has the difficult task of playing the anti-hero, but he is successful in captivating the audience and, quite frankly, he makes us care about Alfie. Paired with an amazing soundtrack (courtesy of Mick Jagger), and the outstanding cinematography of Manhattan during the winter (captured by Ashley Rowe), it's hard not to like the movie. It's both funny and bittersweet, not to mention surprisingly insightful. Like I said earlier, forget that Alfie is a remake. The movie tries to step out of its predecessor's shoes (as many remakes often do) and is fairly successful. Don't feel compelled to compare it with Michael Caine's version; judge it on its own. What's it all about? Well, you'll have to figure that one out on your own.