Review: Law turns on the charm in Alfie
Elizabeth Raftery
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Never before has a superficial, unfaithful misogynist been so charming as Jude Law's title character in Alfie. Charles Shyer's remake of the 1966 film starring Michael Caine takes the audience through a year in the life of Alfie, a womanizing New York City limo driver.
For Alfie, it's all about selling an image. Director Shyer carries this over to his film through fast-paced editing and rapid cuts between shots of Law smoking, drinking and selecting his outfits. Combined with pop background music, this technique makes Alfie is made to look more like a Tommy Hilfiger commercial than a film segment.
What is undeniable is Alfie's charm. Alfie directly address the audience throughout the film, narrating his story and allowing the viewer to get a glimpse of his inner thoughts and feelings. In what is Law's first truly leading role, he proves that his star power has brought him to the point where he can carry a movie.
Law's performance is flawless, and his character is as irresistible to the audience as to the women he conquers. Alfie is so shallow that, at times, he's pathetically endearing. In one post-coital scene with semi-regular lover Dorie (Jane Krakowski) in the backseat of his limo, Alfie counts off the seconds on his watch for what he explains to the audience is "obligatory cuddling."
The supporting cast also delivers good performances. Susan Sarandon in particular delivers a delightfully wicked performance as Alfie's sugar mama Liz but, for the most part, the other actors are completely overshadowed by Law.
Blurring the line between a romantic comedy and a drama, Alfie is not all about fun and games. The film glamorizes the positive points of a sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle, but Alfie also suffers consequences for his promiscuity. A surprising turn of events after a one-night stand with his best friend Marlon's (Omar Epps) girlfriend, Lonette (Nia Long), begins the turnaround of Alfie's character.
While the ending may prove disappointing for some, it is realistic yet unexpected. Unlike so many Hollywood works, everything is not tied up with a big, shiny bow at the end and this is perhaps the films' greatest achievement. The audience is left with something to think about after Alfie's party is over.