The 2004 remake of the 1966 original Alfie movie once again introduces a charmed,
vain, rakish, and women-loving man to our screen. The story itself has not changed much
and Alfie is still one of the best women-devouring men around New York City this time, so
that makes it interesting for us to talk about femininity as well as masculinity since there
are so many different types of women involved with Alfie. The gender construction here is
very interesting to explore more deeply and how it affects the male lead and protagonist
Alfie. So I want to argue that from the very first scene, because of the construction of it,
each and every woman Alfie interacts with we can already guess how that particular female
character is constructed in terms of femininity and we can also guess how it will affect
Alfie and his decisions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Femininity
1. Showstoppers
1.1. Dori
1.2. Julie
1.3. Liz
1.4. Lonette
2. Quickies
2.1. Uta and Carol
2.2. Lesbians
2.3. Nikki
II. Masculinity
1. Alfie and the minor characters
1.1. Alfie
1.2. Marlon
1.3. Mr. Wing
Conclusion
Target Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the 2004 remake of the film Alfie to analyze how constructions of femininity and masculinity are portrayed through the protagonist's interactions with various female characters, exploring whether these portrayals reinforce or challenge traditional gender norms.
- Analysis of female character archetypes in Alfie.
- Deconstruction of the protagonist’s evolving masculinity.
- Examination of gender performance and societal expectations.
- Impact of the protagonist's decisions on secondary characters.
- Interplay between sexual agency and vulnerability in film.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Showstoppers
A showstopper, as Alfie calls them, is the perfect woman with the perfect body and figure who functions the way Alfie wants her to. She then, of course, must fit into his F.B.B. measurement, which is face-boobs-bum, if that does not convince him he will not consider her for a lay. She should also be superficial enough to be one of his showstoppers, but not only that counts for him. The most important thing for Alfie is still having sex - promiscuous sex. No matter if it is a sexually neglected married woman, a single mother/housewife, a rich elderly woman, or his best friend's girl.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the 2004 Alfie remake and establishes the thesis regarding the construction of gender and its impact on the male protagonist.
I. Femininity: Explores the diverse portrayals of women in the film, categorized into "showstoppers" and "quickies," focusing on how their gender performance relates to Alfie.
II. Masculinity: Analyzes the protagonist Alfie alongside secondary male characters, investigating the nuance of his masculine identity and its fragility throughout the narrative.
Conclusion: Summarizes how the film portrays the protagonist's journey and reflects on the multifaceted nature of the gender dynamics presented.
Keywords
Alfie, Masculinity, Femininity, Gender Construction, Film Analysis, Sexual Agency, Character Archetypes, Performance, 2004 Remake, Sexuality, Social Norms, Identity, Protagonist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the 2004 cinematic adaptation of Alfie to investigate the representation of femininity and masculinity through the eyes of its protagonist.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The research focuses on character archetypes, gender performance, the portrayal of sexual relationships, and the protagonist's personal psychological development.
What is the main objective of the study?
The aim is to analyze how the film constructs gender roles and to determine how these constructions influence the narrative arc of the male lead.
Which scientific methodology is applied here?
The paper utilizes a qualitative film analysis approach, incorporating theoretical perspectives on gender studies and cultural identity.
What is addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body breaks down the film's characters into categories of femininity and masculinity, assessing their individual roles and interactions with the protagonist.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include gender construction, masculinity, femininity, character archetypes, and film analysis within the context of the 2004 Alfie remake.
How does the author define the "F.B.B." measurement?
The author defines "F.B.B." as the protagonist's superficial criteria for selecting partners, standing for "face-boobs-bum."
In what way does the character of Marlon represent a different type of masculinity?
Marlon is identified as having a "feminine" type of masculinity, specifically because he is willing to express emotion openly and does not suppress his feelings.
Why is the "showstopper" category significant to the film’s narrative?
The "showstopper" category reflects Alfie's initial objective-based view of women, where individuals are reduced to meeting his specific superficial requirements for sexual encounters.
- Quote paper
- Magister Anke Werckmeister (Author), 2007, Femininity and Masculinity Constructions in "Alfie", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/202923
