Monday, October 18, 2004

What's it all about Alfie?

So, I really want to see the remake of the film Alfie. Jude Law plays the title character, originally played by Michael Caine. Maybe it's the idea of Jude Law as a womanizer that piques my interest. Herein also lies the problem with many females: the idea of an attractive, male womanizer is as much a turn-on as it is a turn-off for us, I will argue. The attractiveness of the womanizer is similar to the attractiveness of the latest trend: everyone wants it, because everyone else wants it. When was it first wanted? Well, in Jude Law's case, probably when he hit puberty, but in the case of Kate Spade bags, probably when some marketing executive figured out that it's not that hard to sell bland purses to yuppies and rich high school girls for a pretty penny, as long as the name remains "exclusive" and the price high.

I digress. As I said above, I understand how a Jude Law could be a womanizer, but it's also true that there has been many a homely man who can get away with womanizers. I will propose two reasons for this: (1) The women are equally as homely or (2) The said womanizer is incredibly confident, to the point of being cocky. (Also, I apologize for my tone regarding "homely" people, which could be interpreted as insensitive; in fact, I will only defend myself by saying that the culture of womanization is a culture concerened with superficialities. I know, this is a weak excuse. I guess I'm just insensitive). When does it come to Paris, I would like to know?? I mean the character of Alfie could just as credibly be French, so I think it will do pretty well in a country where adultery is almost an institution. (Not that this deadly sin eludes other peoples!).



Classic womanizer (what d-bags they are!)

Also, hopefully the film's theme song, "Alfie," by Burt Bacharach will be featured in the 2004 remake. Sure, it dates the film, but if you want to touch a 1970s film, you gotta live its song--and there's always a song in '70s films!
So on that note, here's a little reflection on thefundamental shortcoming of the Alfie Male, courtesty of the brilliant Bacharach:
And if only fools are kind, Alfie,then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
...I believe in love, Alfie.Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like your analysis of the double standard around womanizers. Also, I wanted to let you know that I was excited to read your blog entry b/c coincidentally I read an article on the New York Magazine website about Jude Law in Alfie! Here's the link:

http://nymetro.com/nymetro/news/people/features/10120/

Sorry for the lack of insight or wit...

Je me manque!
Steph

Chris said...

Just anthropoligically speaking, womanizers are perceived as more virile; humans are naturally programmed to have procreate as much as possible, so the greater the chance a woman might have of getting pregnant, the more the subconscious attraction. Not my theory, just what I've studied. Does passion conquer reason? Therein lies your conflicted feelings.

btw, Alfie should open in France on January 19th...if you feel the need to see it now, it opens across the Channel this weekend (according to imdb.com).

Cheers,
Chris

Elaine said...

Thank you both for the great comments! I am beginning to think passion does conquer reason, which is unfortunate, because reason usually has the right idea. I love Jude, even though his hairline is slightly receding--just makes him more British, I say. He's a womanizer in real life too, it seems, at least the rumor is he cheated on his slightly batty ex-wife Sadie Frost.