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, 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 with 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 plans to 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 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 her role, 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.