Alfie
The original and best version of Alfie released in 1966 is sometimes thought of as a rather representative sixties comedy, but it is so much more. Bill Naughton who wrote the story had the knack of wrapping complex issues in lighter layers of humour. So it is with Alfie, a role obviously relished by Michael Caine , who makes us laugh at the frivolous – and sexy - moments and look on with horror at the tragedies of Alfie’s life, and his eventual arrival at what appears to be personal irrelevance – “What’s it all about?”
As seemingly with every film of the era it features Denholm Elliot; along with sixties stars Eleanor Bron, Jane Asher , Vivien Merchant, Millicent Martin and Shirley Anne Field. The music by Sonny Rollins, however, though contemporary, does take Alfie outside the pop-culture Britain of its period.
Even at the time the cinematic establishment recognised the quality of the film, which took the Special Jury Prize at Cannes, and was Oscar-nominated in several categories. Today it is widely regarded as a British classic.
vote now
Current top 10
1: Oliver!
2: Zulu
3: The Railway Children
4: The Italian Job
5: Life of Brian
6: Trainspotting
7: The Third Man
8: The 39 Steps
9: The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover
10: Local Hero
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |