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Alice
Doesn't Live Here Anymore is a
charming film exquisitely directed by a then little known filmmaker
named Martin Scorsese. He was tapped by the films lead actress Ellen
Burstyn (who after the success of The Exorcist was
given creative control in certain areas) after she saw a screening
of his now classic urban drama
Mean Streets. The fact
that he had managed to craft an exceptional film despite the material
being so far removed from his previous efforts showed the sign of
an exceptional filmmaker in the making.
The film begins as a crude tribute to the Wizard of Oz,
as a young girl named Alice wishes her desire to become a singer.
She grows up to become a dutiful house wife and mother played by
Ellen Burstyn, who is stuck in an abusive marriage.
After her husband dies in a car accident, she and her son Tommy
(Alfred Lutter) find themselves flat broke and on the road to Monterey
where Alice can resurrect her defunct singing career. Together they
travel from state to state working odd jobs and beginning various
relationships.
The film was made on the cusp of the woman's movement, and despite
it being a pro-feminist picture it does not come off as an aggressive
diatribe against all men.
Rather, it is a touching and poignant movie which speaks to both
sexes about the power of equality and the struggle for independence,
both themes which are met head on with the character of Alice, as
she tries to find a balance between motherhood, employment, and
reaching her goal to become a songstress.
In short, she desires to live life on her terms after years of catering
to the wishes of men.
A major drawing card is the naturality of its performances. Ellen
Burstyn (who would go on to win an Oscar for her performance), provides
sass and vulnerability to the role of Alice, and also proves to
be an adequate singer and pianist.
Playing off her is child actor Alfred Lutter, who is perfectly irritable
as Tommy. The back and forth between the two contains many funny
and tender moments.
Other supporting roles have been exceptionally cast, with Diane
Ladd's loud mouth waitress, Kris Kristofferson (in his debut) charming
man's man, a very young Jodie Foster as a punk kid, and a chilling
turn by Harvey Keitel who plays an adulterous woman beater.
A hidden gem amongst the treasure which is Martin Scorsese's filmography.
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