Review of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) by J D — 08 May 2008

If you hadn't told me this was a Scorsese movie, I'd have never guessed. Women generally don't fare too well in Marty's flicks, so it was great to see a movie with a focus on a female character trying to find independence in a society that was still redefining just what that meant.

Ellen Burstyn is superb in this; the scenes with her and her son or her and Kristofferson or her and Ladd are filled with warmth and humor. We get a little glimpse of the Scorsese we know so well in Keitel's brief but frightening presence.

The best non-gangster/brute flick I've seen from Scorsese, I would love to see him tackle another female-driven story reflecting current society. Another example of why he's one of the best directors ever.