Alfie womanizes and woos in this chic remake of the 1960s hit

By Jessica Carrington
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer

To encompass the natural appeal that can instantly take any woman by the heart and send her imagination running wild is a talent in itself for any man. Jude Law, who plays the title character in "Alfie," sets a prime example of the typical "womanizer" we have all shaped in our minds. The character that most men envy and the character that most women resent is the same one that keeps viewers emotionally embedded in their seats throughout the movie.

Best remembered for his roles in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999) and "Cold Mountain" (2003), Law, in this new outing, makes an appearance to remember. Once again playing the role of the seductive and mysterious lover, Law allows his persuasive suggestions and flirtatious conversations to captivate his co-stars as well as his viewers.

This remake of the 1960s version is a stylish concentration of all modern day Alfies. Charles Sayer produced a film that has just the right measurements of sex appeal and humor. Just as tears begin to fall they are counteracted with laughter that warms the heart.

Within the first moments of the film, Alfie proudly proclaims his domineering character, leaving viewers wondering which direction he will wander to next. As he bounces from woman to woman a thought is simultaneously triggered between his co-star, Omar Epps (who plays Marlon), and the viewers — "how does he do it?" Alfie perceives the task of winning a woman's affection as an art and has it down to every last detail. Alfie makes this task appear effortless.

The film is carried out on the streets of New York traveling back and forth from the small apartment Alfie is attempting to renovate and the different homes he visits, often owned by the women he has invited into his realm of seduction. Taking note of his surroundings, the setting created is a design between eras. Within Alfie's apartment are select furnishings that may have existed in the 1960s. However, enter one of his "mistresses" apartments, and one is thrown into a modern selection of the finest designs and patterns. While opposition is much appreciated in interior design, it sparked slight confusion when viewed within the era.

As viewers are taken on a rollercoaster through the philosophical thoughts of a well-known bachelor, they are led to discover Alfie's true desires. Throughout the numerous scenes (shot through Alfie's perspective) of couples embracing each other, holding hands, and openly displaying affection, his deepest wishes are revealed. Despite his tendency to epitomize the "womanizer" we all know, Alfie begins to question himself and his carefree ways.

This stimulating film carries its viewers along Alfie's journey ultimately questioning why he has not yet "found someone to love and begun to live everyday as though it were his last.