Fresh and Exciting

Boring

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Though the 1966 film has a moral point, the repetitive story line seems a little too flat for the two-hour runtime. After all, how many hook-ups with girls does it take to show that lover-boy Alfie only cares about himself. In fact he brags about it to the audience. Surprisingly for the period, Caine's character keeps up a running commentary on his actions the entire runtime. It's that breaking down of the so-called 'fourth wall' by addressing the camera directly that really distinguishes the film. Alfie's a working class bloke who's main activity whether on the job or not, amounts to seducing young women. Because of his good looks and confident manner, he has little trouble. Among his conquests are a delectable Jane Asher (Paul McCartney's real life sweetie), an aging Shelley Winters (a perfect cynical match for Alfie), and a pathetic Vivien Merchant (her plight confuses the overconfident seducer). Moreover, as Alfie's conquests mount so do the human consequences-- abortion, abandonment, etc. So the audience gets to compare at the same time the cad's selfish carelessness with its human cost to others. This, I gather, is the movie's main point. Looks to me as though the flick's an extension of the British cinema's 'kitchen sink' period when working class themes came to predominate. Certainly, Alfie's bad grammar and Cockney accent reflect such background. Anyway, Caine's perfect in the role, which he has to carry through in most every scene. Unsurprisingly, his career got a big boost as a result. I saw the film on first release when it got a lot of bally-hoo, and liked it. Now, I'm not so much engaged probably because the many aspects are no longer cutting edge, leaving the repetitive theme foremost. Also, the dumb barroom brawl now appears a clumsy contrivance aimed at working some action into an otherwise talky narrative.Anyway, the movie's moral may remain a perennial one; but, unfortunately, the narrative has lost much cutting edge over time.

One of Michael Caine's launching pad movies, Alfie is a cunning observation of the hedonistic swinging 60s, of a mod London that time has left behind. Adapted by Bill Naughton from his own play, it's directed by Lewis Gilbert and sees Caine supported by Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin, Julia Foster, Jane Asher, Shirley Anne Field and Vivien Merchant.Undeniably dated and arguably pushing the boundaries of the war between the sexes, it's a picture that is often wry and bittersweet and yet also so sad. It never shies away from responsibility, deftly showing the pitfalls of the era, with Caine absolutely marvellous as Alfie goes through his armoury of sexual charm and bizarre naivety.The viewing of sex and adultery, from both sides of the coin, is frank and telling, with the smartness of the production garnering 5 Oscar nominations. Come the end of the play, you will have feelings you didn't think were coming your way. Especially after a turn of events that is harrowing and potent in equal measure.Of its time for sure, but relevant film making? Without a doubt. Exceptionally performed in to the bargain. 7/10

Michael Caine became a breakout star as Alfie, an unrepentant ladies man in the "swinging '60s" era of London, which was undergoing a social revolution at the time, which Alfie takes full advantage of, though it will eventually catch up with him...Despite the potentially odious nature of the lead character, Michael Caine does succeed in making him charming and even refreshingly honest, as he frequently breaks the fourth wall of the screen by talking to the viewer directly, a risky move that works here because of the free-spirit nature of Alfie, and the supremely talented acting abilities of Michael Caine. Film does take a serious turn, though the change of tone is welcome and works, because, by the end, you realize that beneath it all, Alfie is kind of a sad person, whose casual treatment of women will not serve him well as he gets older...

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.