With a movie like “Alfie,” it’s just about impossible to view it for the first time during the #MeToo era and not be struck by its retrograde attitude towards women. Mind you, the fact that Jude Law’s titular character is an incorrigible ladies’ man and must learn hard lessons about his ways is woven into the narrative, but there’s something genuinely off-putting about him. After just the first few scenes he’s already gleefully humiliated a sexual partner and referred to his landlady in extraordinarily derogatory terms, so much so that the character’s redemption arc is entirely undeserved. The cast does the best it can – Law is believable but manages to escape unscathed, and the supporting cast (in particular Susan Sarandon and Marisa Tomei) is strong. Overall though, it’s just not an effective movie because its lead is irredeemable nearly from his introduction.
Rating: ★★ (out of 5)
