Alfie

If you've never seen a Michael Caine movie, or if you only know him from his white-haired roles, you need to start with Alfie, the movie that propelled him to stardom and made him an instant heartthrob. He made his Cockney accent famous and inspired thousands of imitations through the decades, and even though he actually toned down his naturally thick accent for the movie, his co-star Shelley Winters didn't know what he was saying while they were filming! Incidentally, this was the first Shelley Winters movie I saw, and I have always thought of her as cute, fun, and frisky, even though that's not the persona most people associate with her. In Alfie, Michael Caine plays the ultimate cad. He has an endless supply of women at his disposal, even though he treats them like garbage and refuses to commit to any of them. He's a sarcastic, flippant young man, and even when he gets one of his girlfriends pregnant, he refuses to marry her-which, in 1966, was not respectable behavior. However, as villainous as he seems, he manages to charm the audience with his constant talking to the camera and adorable aura. The audience thinks he's despicable, but desperately wants him to see the error of his ways and repent, so they're invested in him and the film. It's a very adult story, so even though Michael cracks jokes to the audience, it's a pretty heavy film. I don't want to give anything away, but particularly religious audiences might want to avoid this movie. If you do decide to watch it, you'll probably be very glad you did. Not only is it one of the most famous flicks of the 60s, but you'll get to hear the origin of Burt Bacharach's memorable title song, and you'll gain a new celebrity boyfriend. I actually wrote Michael Caine a fan letter when I was in high school and told him I thought he was exceptionally dreamy. Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some upsetting adult content, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

ALFIE is one of those films regarded as a classic that I wanted to catch up on, although I had no particular hopes for it. I was right. It turns out to be a surprisingly seedy and sleazy affair, with one of those downbeat kitchen sink style plots somehow turned into an upbeat-feeling comedy. There's some novelty from seeing Caine breaking the fourth wall repeatedly and the string of youthful actresses in support makes for some interest too, but otherwise this is rather tawdry and unappetising. I found Caine's character so completely monstrous in his attitudes towards women that he alienated me from the start, so much so that I didn't care a jot about any supposed 'awakening' or 'rehabilitation'.

Michael Caine was 33 years old in 1966...the year Alfie was made. He was a relatively unknown actor. After Alfie, he was famous and in demand. Caine appears to have approached this role with a lot of confidence ...and why not, he already had a cockney accent...and he was also very cocky. His performance is 95% of the reasons why this is a very good movie. He gives one of the truly GREAT screen performances. The film is not just a comedy...there are examinations of deep and complex social issues...and there are lots of windows into the swinging sixties. But in the final analysis this is Michael Caines movie....for it is his character that stays with us, long after we are mesmerized by his bravado performance. He is still working today...at the age of 79. He has given some great performances over the years...but none to equal his work as Alfie.

I usually enjoy Michael Caine's stuff, but this one left me feeling quite unfulfilled. I didn't think he carried the part particularly well, the acting and dialogue did not seem to be flowing naturally which I felt led to a quite stilted film. The story itself I also found a bit a grinding and monotonous...seeing as it was adapted from a play it may not have made the transition too well. The tale of non-commital, sleeping around and not taking responsibilities for your actions may have been quite riveting and fresh on the cinema screen in 1966 for a British audience, but now it just leaves one feeling cold. Maybe the movies biggest problem is simply that it has not aged well, both in style and structure. 3.5/10

I am very glad I finally got around to seeing "Alfie". For years I incorrectly assumed two things--that it was a smutty little film and that it was a comedy. While the film does have a very strong message about sex and the title character seems to be sexually addicted, it is far, far deeper. And, while the film appears to be a comedy, as the film progresses it becomes more and more serious. All in all, I was very impressed by this film--it had far more depth than I'd assumed. The film begins with Alfie (Michael Caine) making it with a married lady in a car. You don't see any of it but hear them as he tries to convince her to go all the way. Now here is where it gets weird--Alfie gets out of the car and then begins addressing the audience. In fact, throughout the film he stops to talk to the audience--to discuss his philosophy about women, marriage and relationships. Now MOST of what he says is pure drivel--a guy coming up with 1001 reasons why it was okay to use women and why emotionally connecting with any of them was a BIG mistake. However, as the story unfolds, Alfie discovers that staying that emotionally distant is very difficult. I could easily say more--but don't want to give away the plot twists. I really loved this film. Michael Caine was at his best as a lovable but emotionally stunted rogue. But what really impressed me was the writing. This film would be WONDERFUL to show to young men--especially since there are so many 'Alfies' out there and seeing how lonely this sort of life could be is a great lesson for young folks. See this film--it's so much more than I'd expected and had amazing depth.

Alfie is a difficult film to come to terms with as it is most definately not what it seems. Its at its most base level is a movie about an arrogant womanising Jack the Lad, whose only virtue is his rogueism. However In my opinion it is an educated, witty, and ironic journey through the male ego during the sixties/seventies. Alfie is a tragic coming of age.

Spoilers herein. Some films stay relevant; some adapt as the world changes and change their power. And others fade from relevance as the environment moves under it. `Alfie' is one of a large class of these – films based on shocking by pushing a cinematic convention beyond its then state. Here we have something novel in its time: the contrast of lightness of attitude and heavy, even tragic consequences. This `comic tragedy' form was invented by Fletcher (and Shakespeare), and has since 1966 been revived and entered pop sameness. The hook this time is casual treatment of women. I recall this being apt and sharp in its day. A curiosity now, like `The Exorcist.' Some committed acting on the part of the women, mostly redheads and including the notable Jane Asher. She would go home to Paul McCartney just at the period when he was captivated by Alfred Jarry, and working on real ideas in theater. Ted's evaluation: 1 of 3 – you can find something better to do with this part of your life.

*SPOILER ALERT* Having been born before this was released, I've heard of this movie my whole life, knew the song, etc. but never had the opportunity to see it. Well unfortunately that opportunity presented itself last week, and now I can see I didn't miss a damn thing the past forty years. He's a heel..so what? Does he have to brag about it? I'm not a big fan of actors speaking directly to the camera and he does that constantly here, usually only to justify his own actions. Meanwhile the other character that he just treated badly doesn't get to see the 'cute' side, they get the bastard. I also kept thinking ans wishing what this would have been like with Albert Finney in the title role. Out of the millions of movies Michael Caine has made, I can count the ones I like on one hand. Its weird cause I like him, I just don't like his movies. I see an actress named Vivien Merchant got a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She could have been any of at least three women. Denholm Elliot has a small part; years later, he'd lose an Oscar to Caine (Elliot nominated for "A Room with a View" and Caine winning, for some reason, for "Hannah and her Sisters). The only thing more amazing than the success of this movie is the fact that its one of the only times Shelley Winters doesn't raise her voice, bug her eyes or do everything she can to dominate a scene. Its a small part but she restrains herself. Maybe Jude Law's remake will improve on the material. 3/10.

If you've never seen a Michael Caine movie, or if you only know him from his white-haired roles, you need to start with Alfie, the movie that propelled him to stardom and made him an instant heartthrob. He made his Cockney accent famous and inspired thousands of imitations through the decades, and even though he actually toned down his naturally thick accent for the movie, his co-star Shelley Winters didn't know what he was saying while they were filming! Ladies, if you don't drool over him in his film, you need your head examined. In Alfie, Michael Caine plays the ultimate cad. He has an endless supply of women at his disposal, even though he treats them like garbage and refuses to commit to any of them. He's a sarcastic, flippant young man, and even when he gets one of his girlfriends pregnant, he refuses to marry her—which, in 1966, was not respectable behavior. However, as villainous as he seems, he manages to charm the audience with his constant talking to the camera and adorable aura. The audience thinks he's despicable, but desperately wants him to see the error of his ways and repent, so they're invested in him and the film. It's a very adult story, so even though Michael cracks jokes to the audience, it's a pretty heavy film. I don't want to give anything away, but particularly religious audiences might want to avoid this movie. If you do decide to watch it, you'll probably be very glad you did. Not only is it one of the most famous flicks of the 60s, but you'll get to hear the origin of Burt Bacharach's memorable title song, and you'll gain a new celebrity boyfriend. I actually wrote Michael Caine a fan letter when I was in high school and told him I thought he was exceptionally dreamy. Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some upsetting adult content, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

Alfie Elkins, that irresistible roguish Cockney character, takes us into his confidence right at the start of this film, as he invites us, his audience, to follow him in this fantasy filled with sex that reflected a Mod society of London in the sixties. Alfie, by talking directly to the camera, seems to be performing asides a character would do in a play to emphasize a point. Some comments in here indicate they are an annoyance, but in fact, they enhance the charm of Alfie. He is a happy go lucky man who scores with all kinds of women, who find him, not only attractive, but hard to forget. Alfie is not bashful in telling us his sexual encounters with the women we get to meet. Lewis Gilbert's 1966 film made an impact when it was released. Watching it in the DVD format, one can clearly see the film has been preserved well. It still has a crisp look and frankly, it doesn't have that "dated" look of other films of that period. Aside from some of those 60s hair styles, seen in some of the actresses, the film looks as though it was recently shot. This is a film to relish Michael Caine in one of his best creations. As Alfie, he is never mean. He is a man who is only interested in satisfying the women he meets. This was Mr. Caine's break through film, which indicated, even then, his potential as the versatile actor one has always cherished. The women in Alfie's life show a lot of different types. Shelley Winters is at her best with her take of Ruby, the wealthy American "bird" that loves her encounters with Alfie. Millicent Martin, seen briefly, makes a fun Siddie. Vivian Merchant is Lily, the married woman who strays when she can't resist Alfie's charms. Jane Asher as Annie is excellent. Julia Foster plays Gilda, the only one to give Alfie an heir. Eleonor Bron is seen briefly. Alfie Bass is the only actor who has any extended role in the film. This is a film that reflects that sexual liberating era.