I recently rented both versions of the movie “Alfie”. The first movie, made in 1966, starred Michael Caine in his break-out role while the second was made in 2004 and starred Jude Law. Surprisingly, the films have a similar feel although I give the edge to the original ever so slightly. Both Michael Caine and Jude Law were sinfully cute and alluring as Alfie - it wasn’t too hard to imagine women all over them. Yet despite their good looks and active sex life, they seem to be lacking something.

The Jude Law version overly relied on the monologue while Michael Caine’s version was able to masterly intersperse a few moments of non-monologue to give the other characters just enough meat to have a little substance. Caine’s non-girlfriend, Gilda played by Julia Foster was slightly more than Alfie’s comments suggested. Law’s non-girlfriend, Julie played by Marisa Tomei, was simply plain. However, Caine’s looney live-in girlfriend, played by Jane Asher, was not quite as washed out as Sienna Miller as Law’s live-in. Asher seemed to be sleep-walking (I half suspected she was sniffing some of those cleaning products) whereas Miller embodied that quinessential “girlfriend from hell”.

I was totally blown away to see that the great Shelley Winters was the “older woman” for Caine. That was simply sensational casting. Nevertheless Susan Sarandon, not to play second fiddle to anyone, was equally sensational. I felt that Sarandon’s delivery of that crashing verbal blow to Alfie was brilliant - I think it exceeded Winter’s because we don’t see who’s sleeping in Sarandon’s bed.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Caine’s version was the abortion scene. I found it emotionally gritty. Caine’s tears caused me to shed a few. Plus Denholm Elliot as the abortionist was another surprise in casting. Law’s version flirted with abortion but a switcharoo was played. The real anguish of Law’s movie was Alfie betraying his best friend.

Finally, Caine’s monologue at the end just worked. It made sense to ponder “what’s it all about” after his journey, whereas Law’s journey seemed like it needed a couple more laps.