British Film and Culture - Alfie (1965)

• Alfie is the protagonist.
• Male, early 20's, working class.
• These films had narratives that centered around these type of characters rather than middle aged, middle class males often seen in war films which were typical of British cinema in the 1950s.
• Alfie was portrayed as an anti-hero because of his behaviour - he also talks to the audience which makes the character seem more likable - his values and ideas about life and in particular his treatment of women is rather shocking.
• The casting of Michael Caine as Alfie and the breaking of the 4th wall means that the audience don't totally dislike him. 
• Alfie represents freedom of the 60s in terms of a very relaxed attitude towards sex.
• He's anti-marriage and really out for what he can get.
• He can also be seen to represent the beginning of the 'me' generation.
• The representation of female characters can be seen as progressive in some respects in terms of sexual behaviour although overall the women are presented in a negative manner apart from the doctor.
• The 1950's can be summed up using the word 'conservative' because at the time the Conservatives were in power and conservative in relation to the values of society. 
• It was a decade of social, political and cultural change.

Themes and Issues.

• The theme of sex and the fairly frank way it is dealt with in the narrative is something not really seen before in British Cinema, in particular themes to do with the 'pill' and abortion - very much reflects the period.  - the change in attitudes towards sex are more evident in the young rather than the older generation.
• 60's - working class became heroes - carpediem - seize the day. 
• Class - Class is represented as the working class being celebrated and showing little respect for the middle classes - a shift of dominance and power.
• The narrative at the end shows Alfie alone and reflecting on his behaviour coupled with the song 'what's it all about Alfie?' - the film can be seen to reinforce rather than challenge society's accepted values and norms to marriage and sex.
• Ruby very much turns the tables on Alfie and his sexual behaviour by seeing a younger guy.
• Some things are still taboo such as homosexuality. 
• The narrative represents London as being the place to be - where it's all going on - London is seen through the character of  Alfie as a place where anything is possible - a place of fun.
• Reinforces ideas of London's importance.
• The film's style represents elements from the kitchen sink dramas - gritty, realistic, urban, social issue narratives and the swinging sixties films - colourful, jazz / popular music soundtrack.
• Light comedy and reference to fashion.
• Kitchen sink drama are films that are domesticated and set around relationships.
• The film was backed by US film studio Paramount and represents Hollywood's confidence in the British film industry and also interest in this period.

Audience. 

• Alfie is aimed at a young (youth) audience - represents the way in with the media saw how commercially important  (£) youth culture was.