Alfie is a philosophical womanizer who is forced to question his seemingly carefree existence.
The original “Alfie” captured a blend of romp and reality that was shocking and innovative in its time, and introduced a young Michael Caine to the world. In this contemporary re-invention, Alfie is now an irresistible Londoner who has taken up residence in Manhattan, where he hopes to make his fortune -- and make love to as many beautiful women as possible. The sophistication of New York City is the perfect setting for Alfie, who knows that when it comes to shagging birds, it’s all about one thing... “location, location, location.” Surrounded by an abundance of gorgeousness and diversity,” Alfie takes every opportunity to conquer all the women he can, whenever he can.
Alfie Elkins (Jude Law) works as a limousine driver, chauffeuring the wealthy through the streets of Manhattan, and occasionally making love to his lonely female clients in the backseat. Though he has his ambitions, he wants only enough to get by, his primary focus being the pleasures of life -- without any of the responsibilities.
For Jude Law, arguably one of the hottest actors of his generation, portraying Alfie presented a unique challenge. Not only was the actor in every scene, often having an intimate dialogue with the audience, but also he was playing the role of a man with highly questionable integrity.
“This kind of lothario. matinee idol, good-with-the-girls type of character is definitely a test for any actor to portray, but the script was so good I had to do it.” says Law. “Actually, Alfie is more multifaceted than one would think. He’s really quite a thoughtful fellow when you think about it, and he is trying to change his wayward ways.”
Director Charles Shyer and co-writer! producer Elaine Pope decided to tell the character’s story in Alfie’s own words. To do this, the writers employed the challenging technique used in the ‘60s classic - where Alfie speaks directly to us, the audience.
“I was very clear that the character should be outrageous, not just in the sense of his actions, but in his thoughts as well,” says Shyer. “By having Alfie speak to the audience, he’s able to offer insight into what he’s really thinking... this is the first of many steps he will take on his bumpy journey to discover what’s truly in his heart.”
Producer/Co-writer Pope felt that the device of having Alfie speak his mind to camera presented a unique opportunity. “Alfie is such an interesting character. damaged and self-destructive, but very tip-front,” says Pope. “Whether the audience agrees with his philosophies or not, they become his exclusive confidant. This gave us the chance to address certain, usually unspoken, truths about relationships that everyone can relate to.”
Law observes that breaking that wall between fantasy and reality is something that doesn’t come naturally to an actor. “It was very alien at first, but after a while I began to feel like the wall wasn’t there at all,” says Law. “It truly became second nature for mc. and I think that once people watching the movie get used to it, they’ll feel that Alfie is talking to each one of them as a friend.”
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