Review of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) by Josh C — 25 Dec 2007

Scorsese has never really grabbed me before. All of his modern movies (let's say "Goodfellas" on) don't seem as startling today as I imagine watching them on their original release might be. "Raging Bull" and "Taxi Driver" are both great films, but it seems like most people miss the entire story, destroying both movies into one-liners and out-of-context scenes. Stupid.

This movie is totally different from every other signature Scorsese movie, though. It's quiet for the most part, heavy on dialogue, and stars a woman. Burstyn is great, and has a real sense of independent spirit to her. Other than the outburst of violence (which is shocking when used SPARINGLY -- see "Goodfellas" and people being hacked to bits), it doesn't feel like a Scorsese film. Maybe a good thing, here.