Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)

User Review

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  Barneyonmovies

  9 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: Between his making of the infamous 'Mean Streets,' and 'Taxi Driver,' Martin Scorsese produced a surprisingly touching and considered piece of work 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore,' that has become wildly underrated because it largely departs from his usual style and themes, but is actually up there with his very best films. Yes whilst he'd done character studies before, they'd never really been as poignant as this one, and that's largely thanks to the fact he dials down on his stylistic choices here to make for something more considered and engaging that doesn't get distracted by the pull of a gangster environment or New York setting. Strip all that away and what you've got in this case is an expectedly incredible Oscar-winning performance from Ellen Burstyn who develops a character that is relatable to many (particularly at the time) and unlocks a story that delicately builds to explore the balance of independence within a relationship in a way that is thoroughly attached to reality. This makes it very touching, buy that's not too say it's not remotely Scorsese either as his directorial flair does make what could have felt like a slow-burner feel constantly engaging and snappy. This is thanks to his brilliant use of the camera and his ability to inject a kind of flippancy and humour that makes it all thoroughly smile-inducing, and in the end that makes for a genuinely brilliant and touching drama that's as fun as it is meaningful.
  
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Its scope is smaller than some of Scorsese's other works.
  
  VERDICT: A delicately touching and constantly engaging drama that deals its themes perfectly, 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore,' is an interesting film from Scorsese that deserves more recognition.

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