Michael Caine’s portrayal of the unsavory, London-based character who prioritizes having an attractive woman nearby (and romantically involved) feels perhaps overly authentic. It's not necessarily that he holds overtly sexist views; rather, his perception of women is narrow and utilitarian—he doesn't value them, or anyone else, except when they serve his own immediate desires. The movie traces the character’s gradual…

Early in his career, Michael Caine seemed to be consistently cast as a tough, working-class Londoner. Whether portraying Harry Palmer in _The Ipcress File_ or the resourceful Charlie Croker in _The Italian Job_, he became something of a playful imitation of a past time. In _Alfie_, Caine embodies the title character, a carefree womanizer who prioritizes his romantic encounters over having a stable place to live. T…