Alfie (1966)
When looking at the very first part of the film Alfie, Paramount Pictures is shown as the producer. Paramount Pictures represents the interest of Britain and the image of the swinging 60's. The film Alfie was one of many films that was produced with the inspiration of Britain by America. There was roughly 90% of films being produced at this time about swinging 60's in Britain by Paramount Pictures. The film Alfie was also shot in London which gives a real feel of what typically the swinging 60's was about. The introduction to the film starts of with a shot of the skyline, then goes into an actual shot panning of a building in London. This helped to represent the city life and how at this point in Britain, the city life was the place to be for young people. The film Alfie was very typical for this genre as the narrative takes place in London. This is reinforcing the idea of the capital being the culture centre of the "swinging" sixties.
Jazz music is played at the introduction. Jazz was very popular in the swinging 60's and help to bring a connection for young people and the film Alfie. The non-diegetic music represents the character of Alfie on the period of casual, relaxed attitude to life. This therefore brings conflict between the young and the old. This is due to in particular Alfie's approach against sex compared to the conservative older people. This helped show what the swinging was like and revealed how young people were becoming more relaxed about sex. Dogs are seen first in the opening scene and this is a visual metaphor for Alfie and his relationships and therefore represents again the feelings that were shared on sex before marriage.
Due to doing a lot of location filming instead of setting it helps express more gritter realism. This film was not seen as very common as the film suggests much more than usual films. This would not have been made in the 1950's. This gives the indication of Alfie being relaxed about sex. Alfie has a casual enjoyment of sex, this is shown even with a married women. It show's how Alfie doesn't think about the consequences. It shows how British cinema was representing issues that had not been dealt with before such as: sex, affairs and abortion.
Alfie is a young working class man and this helps to engage young people. This was at -the time was perfect as young people in the 60's were becoming more relaxed about relationships so they could connect to Alfie's lifestyle. Due to the narrative making a focus on working class instead of upper class, it was enough to become unique. Before the 60's it was known that only upper class people were to play the main protagonist. The 60's were a great time for the working class to be noticed as this is when Labour got into power, the Beatles were discovered and Cilla Black was becoming popular. All working class.
Alfie comes across as overly confident and has the belief to do anything. Alfie is an anti-hero and is carrying on the tradition of the anti-hero found in the kitchen sink dramas. Typically Alfie's type of character would not seem likeable, but the 3 things that make Alfie more expectable are: 1. The script/ dialogue by using the fourth wall to help us connect, 2. The humour throughout and 3. The casting, this is very important. Michael Caine is very likeable and this is what helped us connect more to the character that was played by him, Alfie.
The film is seemed to be quite sexist against women, this is shown when Alfie says 'it will go home happy'. In relation to gender, it shows that Alfie is objectifying women. Alfie has a narrow view of women, he sees them as there for sexual pleasure or for being a house "wife". There are many negative views on women, except from when seeing the nurse role and doctor role being women. This shows how in the swinging 60's women are trying to break out of the stereotypes. The representation of women for most of the film is often reinforcing limited gender roles the only exceptions being the Dr and Ruby. Ruby has 3 hairdressing salons and is a strong, independent women. She is seen a female version of Alfie but better, as she has got her own business and has no plans on hurting anyone.
It is suggested that Alfie has been in the military service as there is a military badge on his jacket. This can explain why Alfie is distant as he has been through a lot due to the war. Due to Alfie having no choice on whether or not he wanted to go into military it can show why he is going against the system (no sex before marriage).
In conclusion to this, Alfie has the personality of Carpe Diem showing that he see's the day and lives for the moment. Alfie is an absent father, but goes on to say he wishes everyone could have a mother and father. This shows that maybe his father was absent also. Giving reasons why he cannot commit. Due to Alfie not settling down it mean that no girl can feel secure. This is shown when Alfie goes across the bridge and then the very last scene he is seen in the middle of the bridge showing to have done a full circle with nothing as a result.
As always,
Hit That Film
-Gemma Card
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