Review of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) by Tanya K — 03 Jun 2008

Scorsese addresses his feminine side in this no-frills-attached depiction of female solidarity. Set during the peak of America's female revolution, this film outlines the difficulties small town women faced in their transition from dependence to self reliance in a time when misogynism was a norm, and the man was the king of the castle.

Burstyn's performance as Alice is top notch, capturing her strengths, weaknesses, hopes and desires in a way that makes the viewer connect with her immediately. Her relationship with her young son, Tommy, is again realistically touching.

Tommy ultimately represents the next generation of American men, brought up by these independent women and influence by strong-willed, unconventional female peers. In the insightful words of Bob Dylan, the times they were a-changin'.