Alfie (1966)
First screened in August 2008 / Most recently screened in April 2016
Director: Lewis Gilbert. Cast: Michael Caine, Millicent Martin, Julia Foster, Graham Stark, Eleanor Bron, Shirley Anne Field, Vivien Merchant, Alfie Bass, Jane Asher, Sydney Tafler, Shelley Winters, Denholm Elliott, Murray Melvin, Queenie Watts. Screenplay: Bill Naughton (based on his play).

Twitter Capsule: Character, performance, and film share an intense, off-putting self-satisfaction, despite creative risks and a bold finale.

VOR:   Despite my lack of affection for it, Alfie valuably encapsulates a convergence of Angry Young Man drama with Swinging London romp, and takes on misogyny and abortion to boot.



Photo © 1966 Paramount Pictures/Sheldrake Films

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B–

(in August 2008: C)


Academy Award Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor: Michael Caine
Best Supporting Actress: Vivien Merchant
Best Adapted Screenplay: Bill Naughton
Best Original Song: "Alfie"

Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
Best Director: Lewis Gilbert
Best Actor (Drama): Michael Caine
Best Supporting Actress: Vivien Merchant
Best Supporting Actress: Shelley Winters
Best Screenplay: Bill Naughton
Best English-Language Foreign Film
Best Original Song: "Alfie"

Other Awards:
Cannes Film Festival: Special Jury Prize
National Society of Film Critics: Best Actor (Caine)
National Board of Review: Best Supporting Actress (Merchant)
British Academy Awards (BAFTAs): Most Promising Newcomer (Merchant)

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