“Alfie,” a 1966 Academy Awards nominee for best picture, not only helped characterize the sexual revolution of the mid 60s but also the cultural renaissance occurring in London. And, it made Michael Caine an international star.

Caine gave a performance of a philosophical, caustic, womanizer who took his conquests seriously. “Alfie” was startling in its portrayal and content. It is classic art that still holds emotional depth nearly 40 years after its initial release.

One then has to ask why Paramount and writer/director/- producer Charles Shyer felt the need to remake the classic film. Usually a remake uses current technology to make the original more accessible, updated with contemporary mores and social import. The new “Alfie” falls short on all counts.

The new film with Jude Law as Alfie has half of the testosterone of the original. Where the original was compelling in its content, the remake isn’t compelling at all. The original caused a stir and had people talking about perceptions long after the end credits rolled. The remake is extremely shallow and has one wondering “why” upon completion.

Law gives a decent performance even if the role has been stripped of its power. His dialogue with the camera is a redeeming point that is utilized throughout.

Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon and Omar Epps are adequate, but each of their character’s incomplete development only adds to the emptiness of the whole. One wonders what would have been if Shyer had shared some of the tasks of filmmaking.

The one good thing about this latest remake is that it will undoubtedly encourage people who haven’t seen it to view the original.

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John Malgesini is an educator at Umatilla High School.