Review of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) by Jennifer B — 28 Feb 2010

Martin scorsese's treatment of the american rock n' roll road film is one of pure heart and originality. its more than just a road film as well, delving into the themes of romance, single motherhood and the working woman.

for a man who is most well-known for his gritty crime films, it never fails to amaze me when scorsese touches on a very different style of film and still manages to apply his own auteur trademarks to the visual product.

ellen burstyn's performance as alice hyatt, the dedicated and single working mother is fantastic and memorable. its real on every level it can be. kris kristofferson, who had very minimal acting experience upon playing his part, shows an inner talent that furthered his resume into film roles as well as being a musician.

this is a work of passion, showing the struggles of what it is to be a single mother whose main priority is to look out for the best interests of her young son, and balance the emotions of being in love with one of the local men in her town.

the role of tommy, her young son is funny and realistic, bringing out some of the most memorable and deepest moments in the plot. this has laughs, charm, drama and heart, all elements that brought this film to a level of greatness.