Alfie (2004)

A cockney womanizer learns the hard way about the dangers of his actions.

Director:

Charles Shyer

Writers:

Bill Naughton (play), Bill Naughton (earlier screenplay)

Stars:

Jude Law, Sienna Miller, Susan Sarandon

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 6 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jude Law	...	Alfie
Renée Taylor	...	Lu Schnitman (as Renee Taylor)
Jane Krakowski	...	Dorie
Jeff Harding	...	Phil
Marisa Tomei	...	Julie
Kevin Rahm	...	Terry
Max Morris	...	Max
Omar Epps	...	Marlon
Nia Long	...	Lonette
Gedde Watanabe	...	Wing
Jo Yang	...	Mrs. Wing
Tara Summers	...	Carol
Sam Vincenti	...	Felix
Katherine LaNasa	...	Uta
Claudette Mink	...	Bitter Girl

Storyline

Finding it hard to finally settle down and commit himself to only one woman, the unrepentant philanderer and undeniable ladies' man, Alfie, is a charming British who cruises the streets of New York as a limousine chauffeur. In his impeccable suits, the silver-tongued Casanova is simply irresistible; however, things will take an unexpected turn, when a night of unrestrained passion seriously tests Alfie's frivolous approach to life. In the end, is Alfie happy, and above all, what's it all about, then?

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Plot Keywords:

name in title | male name in title | male objectification | tank top | man wearing a tank top | 

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Taglines:

Meet a man who never met a woman he didn't love.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content, some language and drug use

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 November 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Alfie Remake

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,314,156 (United Kingdom), 24 October 2004, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,218,335, 7 November 2004, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$13,399,812

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$35,150,546

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Patalex Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Billie Piper auditioned for the role of Nikki.

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Goofs

During the scene at the florist's shop (supposedly in downtown Manhattan but filmed in Liverpool), there is a shot looking into the shop from outside. A couple of small Regency-style terraced houses, clearly inappropriate for the film's setting, can be seen reflected in the window.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Alfie: You're lucky you know. I rarely allow anyone into my flat.

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Crazy Credits

The producers wish to thank residents and businesses of Northern Quarter Manchester

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Connections

References Let's Get Lost (1988)

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Soundtracks

Blind Leading the Blind
(2004)
Written by Mick Jagger & David A. Stewart
Performed & Produced by Mick Jagger & David A. Stewart (as Dave Stewart)

User Reviews

If you haven't seen the original...

... as I haven't (FAR too young when it originally came out!), and can judge the movie without preconceptions, it's actually quite, quite good. From others' comments, I believe this should be called a reconception rather than a remake - and face it, if they followed the original, time-bound character/plot, it really WOULDN'T work today - so there is no sense in decrying that this isn't slavish to the Caine version. On its own terms, the movie is very stylish, with excellent cinematography, directing and editing, and the acting is top-notch across the board [For Broadway aficionados, look for Tony winners Jefferson (I Am My Own Wife) Mays as the Doctor and Hairspray's Dick Latessa as Joe].

Law is disarmingly charming as Alfie, and that goes a long way in selling the character, and making his attitude towards women somewhat tolerable. Of the women, Sarandon {looking incredible for 58! ... and delivering her final coup de grace with devilish elan], Long, Krakowski and especially (surprisingly?) Law's current squeeze Miller all make strong impressions. Tomei is OK, but is really neither attractive or special enough to justify Law's interest in her [and his fixation on her young son is a little creepy/unbelievable for such a womanizer]. The substitution of the interracial dalliance with Long for the abortion is a stroke of genius, as it will probably have the same 'shocking' effect for some in the audience. Yes, the direct address is a little jarring at times, but is necessary and DOES follow the original.

On the minus side, the Mick Jagger/Dave Stewart music DOESN'T work, but Joss Stone's remake of the title song is effective. If you can forget, or better yet, haven't seen the original to compare this version to, I think you will find it a very entertaining, relevant movie (compared to most Hollywood remake dreck). I wouldn't even be surprised to find this garnering quite a few Oscar noms (given this year's weak field) come the end of the year... Give it a chance.