Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Starring:Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Green Bush, Diane Ladd, Lelia Goldoni, Harvey Keitel, Lane Bradbury, Vic Tayback, Jodie Foster, Valerie Curtin, Murray Moston, Harry Northup, Alfred Lutter III, Mia Bendixsen, Laura Dern, Ola Moore, Dean Casper, Henry Kendrick, Martin Brinton
Director: Martin Scorsese
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Having scored a critical triumph with Mean Streets, Martin Scorsese accepted Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore as his first big-studio assignment, proving his versatility and further advancing his promising career. Hot off The Exorcist with her choice of projects at Warner Brothers, Ellen Burstyn sought a hot young talent (Scorsese was recommended by Francis Coppola) to direct Robert Getchell's fine, sensitive screenplay about Alice Wyatt, a newly-widowed 35-year-old lounge singer with a bratty 12-year-old son (Alfred Lutter) and a very uncertain future. Her pursuit of broken dreams lands her a waitressing job in an Arizona diner, where she befriends foul-mouthed Flo (Diane Ladd) and meets and falls in love with a divorced farmer (Kris Kristofferson). With absolute authenticity of emotion and incident, Alice--which earned Burstyn a well-deserved Oscar® and features supporting roles for future Taxi Driver costars Jodie Foster and Harvey Keitel--conveys a then-timely sense of strength and endurance from a single mother in desperate times. There have been several similar dramas made since 1974, but Alice (which inspired the popular TV sitcoms Alice and Flo) is still the best. Trivia buffs: Look closely for Ladd's daughter--a very young Laura Dern--and Scorsese as background extras in the diner scenes. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

It was more like "One Day at a Time" than "Alice." .......2007-06-05

"Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" came out in late 1974 and was billed as an anthem for women.

Ellen Burstyn plays Alice Hyatt, a recently widowed 30-something mother. The movie starts out by showing her husband (before he died.) Donald (Billy Green Busch) was an abusive man that didn't pay his wife or son much attention. But Alice thinks that there isn't any cold side of the bed as long as a man is in it; so she stands by her husband.

After her husband's untimely death I thought that maybe Alice will start to live life and wouldn't be so hopeless anymore. I was very wrong. Her life went from miserable to even more miserable. Alice just seemed so incredibly harried throughout the entire movie. She packs up her meager belongings and embarks on a new life with her foul-mouthed son, Tommy (Alfred Lutter III.) Alice's only trade is her musical voice.

Alice stumbles into a dark little bar and asks the owner to give her an audition. When he tells her that his isn't a singing bar Alice turns on the water works. This was so annoying because if anyone else did this they would have been shown the door, but since she was a blonde in snug dress the owner actually gave her an audition and then a job! I wasn't fond of Alice's singing (it was very moody without much of a beat.) And I couldn't help but think that Alice was the type of women who would flash a little leg to get things going her way, and then scream harassment if she didn't get what she wanted. If that's women's lib then I'm Abraham Lincoln.

Soon, Alice finds a little fly buzzing around her, Ben (a very young-looking Harvey Keitel.) At first he seemed somewhat charming and sweet, but he turned out to be an abusive (married) alcoholic, not unlike Alice's late-husband. This time Alice can't swat away her little pest so she does the only thing she can do; she flees for Tucson.

Alice lands a job as a waitress at Mel & Ruby's Cafe. She really doesn't care for the job, but it's a start and way to help support her son. She also doesn't care much for her colleague, Flo (Diane Ladd) who was just as vulgar as any 18-wheel trucker. But I suspect that Alice may have felt threatned by this other blonde who drew men to her. However Alice does befriend Flo, eventually. Soon Alice meets diner-patron David (Kris Kristofferson), and even sooner she hops right into his sack.

Jodi Foster has a small part as a tom-boy (Audrey/Doris) that befriends Tommy. Audrey is even more wild and out of control than Tommy.

I really did not care for this movie very much. It didn't seem to have much of a point and the ending was incredibly anti-climactic. There were a few funny lines (with Flo and Mel, played by the legendary, late Vic Tayback.) But overall, I was not too impressed with this movie because it was rather boring and difficult to watch.

I was a HUGE fan of the sitcom "Alice" with Linda Lavin and I expected this movie to be a feel-good movie similar to the TV program. No matter what Alice (on the TV show) always managed to turn a bad situation into something positive and she was always such a kind-hearted person that really cared for people. I remember in one of the earliest eps of "Alice" she said: Any day can be a good day if you work hard at it, and I think that statement really embodies what the TV show was all about; turning something not so good into something that is.

The "Alice" in this movie was someone I did not know. There was no similarities between this Alice and the Alice on TV. The only part that (slightly) reminded me of the Alice I grew up with was when she gave away the shawl to the elderly lady at her yard sale. But other than that I got the impression that Movie-Alice was a wonton women that didn't have much to say or do; TV-Alice always had a message and was always so positive. And I can't believe that the TV show Alice was adapted from this movie because the movie seemed somewhat risque (not for 2007, but for 1974 it sure was.) It was much more like "One Day at a Time" than "Alice."

Excellent Film.......2007-02-24

This is one of Martin Scorcese's lessor known films. It is, however, a very good movie - that is well written, well directed and especially well acted. The telling signs of Scorcese's direction are there especially when it comes to camera angles and camera movement. He did similar things in Goodfellas. Burnstyn certainly deserved her Oscar for Best Actress. It loses a star as it does lapse now and then. I found myself drifting off. nevertheless definitely worth a watch and I am proud to have it part of my DVD collection.

The end of the fairytale world over the rainbow..........2006-12-12

The opening of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore must have been daring for 1974: it's a Wizard of Oz parody, a depiction of Dorothy's fairytale world of Kansas, but definitely without the sweet dialogue we're accustomed to hearing from that film. In two short minutes, we're told that modern times ("modern times" being the early-mid 1970s) are quite different from the world into which Alice Hyatt was born. You've come a long way, baby.

I was struck by how dated this film is in some ways. But of course what else could be expected. This was the beginning of the women's movement, and in the film Alice, played brilliantly by Ellen Burstyn, finds herself widowed, alone with a 12-year-old kid, and without any visible means of support. And women didn't necessarily have all the options then that they have now.

This could have been played as a maudlin or preachy piece, but what makes Alice such a joy is that the film never loses its sense of humor, because Hyatt never loses her sense of humor about life as she goes about talking to her child in funny voices and listening to his interminable unfunny jokes. (At least, they're not funny if you're older than 12.) At the same time, we always manage to appreciate her situation--the film also doesn't go for easy laughs. The sequence where she decides she has to get a job as a singer, and goes from dive to dive until one kind-hearted owner takes pity on her, is heart-breakingly real. Again, Scorsese could have gone the easy route and played the guy as a letch who would only agree to give her the jog if she slept with him, but he avoids the obvious, thank heavens, and instead we get a study of human nature instead of a feminist cliche.

I did have some problems with this film, mostly of the narrative kind. The fights with Kris Kristofferson's character seem a bit contrived. In the end we don't really sense if Alice will be any happier. Maybe Kristofferson will be a jerk towards her. She's still no to her dream as a singer, and a dream is what it is as best, because it's obvious she doesn't have the talent to make it big, or even make it period. (Even a mediocre version of "Where or When" can be moving, however.)

But although the finish isn't perfect, the journey sure is interesting. Alice is a survivor. She's not booksmart, but she's streetsmart. She's not sexy, but she is attractive. She's not vulnerable, but she's not a cold and aloof character either.

What makes most of the film work is the miraculous performance by Ellen Burstyn. She got an Oscar for this, and she deserved it. Also outstanding is Alfred Lutter as 12-year-old Donald Hyatt. He had almost no prior screen experience, but you'd never know it. Billy Green Bush is completely convincing as the domineering husband who gets KOed in a truck accident. Kristofferson is standard-issue Kristofferson--good enough, but not particularly memorable. Scorsese sprinkles his special restless energy over the whole trhing to make it play just right. Few movies have such honest, unsentimentalized visions of everyday folks in everyday places. My only problem is with some of the diner scenes, which were played a little too over-the-top. If Scorsese was trying for comedy it wasn't funny. If he was trying for heightened drama it wasn't convincing. Those scenes seemed to go against the grain of the rest of the movie's naturalistic style. Also, those who grew up on the TV sitcom Alice may be surprised how little the diner--and the characters of Mel, Flo and Vera--figure in the film.

As usual, Warner Bros. does an excellent job with the DVD. (They're Criterion's only serious competition when it comes to reissues.) The print looks so good you'd think this was shot yesterday--I barely noticed a spec of dirt on this 32-year-old film. The disc features the theatrical trailer and an interesting retrospective with Kristofferson and Burstyn, but no one else. Their reminiscences are interesting and fun, however. I'm really not sure, 30 years later, if this is a "great" film. However, it's better than anything Scorsese has done since 1990.

Exceptional Film.......2006-09-18

There is a scene in the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore which sums up the entire film. It is the scene in which Alice (Ellen Burstyn), newly-widowed and desperate to get a job, convinces a bar owner to see her perform across the street (the owner doesn't even have a piano in his bar). Reluctantly, he comes, and Alice sings the old Sinatra ballad, "When Your Lover Has Gone." It is a testament to Burstyn's acting that this scene is so hauntingly beautiful, and one senses a personal connection that she has with this song, it almost sounds as if it were written just for her. And the emotions that come through in this scene--pain, loss, but also a great deal of hope--are essentially the film in spades.

It is almost passe to mourn the passing of the cinema of the 1970s, but this is exactly the sort of movie that was made then but isn't now. It is a penetrating, intensely personal but unceasingly honest portrait of a single mother's struggle to survive. Even though several decades have passed, the story remains timely because it is ultimately the story of humanity, and will have resonance for anyone who has had to leave the familiar and try to make it on their own. Some might dismiss it as an extended metaphor for feminism (which it is) but it is also much more than that--it cuts far deeper, but it is ultimately a very humanistic film.

I can't stop singing this movie's praises. It inspires without being "inspirational". It is not an exultation of the human spirit, but rather the embodiment of it. It never sounds a hollow, false, or obvious note, but rather sticks with utter realism throughout, and as a result is immensely satisfying. I would highly recommend the movie to anyone who appreciates a good drama that doesn't unfold along the expected path.

Slice of life set in the 1970's American Southwest.......2006-07-16

While the surreal opening sequence, reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, did nothing to enhance it, the movie as a whole is thoroughly enjoyable. Southwestern scenery, interesting soundtrack and authentic details all enrich the story. Ellen Burstyn is excellent in the title role and Kris Kristofferson is adequate as her rancher love interest. Alfred Lutter has lots of screen time and is so convincing as Alice's annoying almost 12 year old son, Tommy, I feel like I went to school with him. Yet the host of smaller and more memorable characters really make the movie shine. Jodie Foster is great as a worldly preteen who lures Tommy in to a brush with the law. Harvey Keitel is fascinating playing a character who appears at first to be an awkward, nice guy enamored of a lounge singing Alice but morphs into an abusive and threatening lover who also turns out to be a married man. Diane Lane's Flo is so much more real and nuanced than the "kiss my grits" Flo we saw on the 1970's situation comedy "Alice" that was inspired by the movie. That characters of Mel, Vera, Bea and a host of other smaller parts are given believable portrayals. The end of the movie is delivered with a subtle touch. Though Tommy and Alice had originally planned Monterey, California to be their final destination the "Monterey" they walk toward in the closing scene is quite different. And what momentarily looks like the ocean is revealed as the camera pulls back to be a distant desert mountain.

Martin Scorsese Collection (After Hours/Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore/Goodfellas/Mean Streets/Who's That Knocking At My Door?)

Average customer rating:

A representative set from the master
A collection that will show you how Scorsese started and how he became a legend
The BEST Scorsese box set on DVD!
The Best
Marty is God, no, not good, God !!

Martin Scorsese Collection (After Hours/Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore/Goodfellas/Mean Streets/Who's That Knocking At My Door?)
Starring: Martin Scorsese , and Robert De Niro
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

The Martin Scorsese Film Collection (New York, New York / Raging Bull Special Edition / The Last Waltz / Boxcar Bertha)
A Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies
Taxi Driver (Collector's Edition)
The King of Comedy
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000286RR0
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Amazon.com

Almost by accident, these five Warner Brothers films represent key moments in Martin Scorsese's career. Three of the films debut on DVD; all have excellent presentations plus new commentaries from Scorsese. The black-and-white Who's That Knocking at My Door? (1968) was Scorsese's first film, an episodic tale of growing up in Little Italy. Mean Streets (1973) put him on the map. After taking a bit of Hollywood bait (Boxcar Bertha), mentor John Cassavetes put Scorsese straight to find his true vision, and this nervy look at New York friends who border the gangster life is the result. This new special edition has the commentary track and a big improvement in its home video presentation.

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) put Scorsese in the mainstream. This tale of a single mom (Ellen Burstyn in an Oscar-winning performance) finding second chances in the arid Southwest proved the New York City kid could tell other types of stories. After Hours (1985) saved Scorsese. The drain of big movies and his unsuccessful first attempt to make The Last Temptation of Christ left the auteur doubting his talent. The nightmarish comedy starting Griffin Dunne is a love-it-or-leave-it for many Scorsese fans, but the fast shoot schedule and claustrophobic story rejuvenated Scorsese and won him Best Director kudos at Cannes. The highlight of the collection is a two-disc edition of his masterpiece, GoodFellas (1990), complete with a remastered print and a dynamite commentary by several key talents (recorded separately) including Ray Liotta, author Nicholas Pileggi, and even Robert De Niro. Even with an extra disc of three featurettes, it's the film on which we hear the least from the man himself, but perhaps all we need to know is on the screen. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

A representative set from the master.......2007-03-17

This set only contains one of Scorcese's great films - Goodfellas, more of that later. I haven't seen Alice doesn't live here anymore, but it is supposed to be very good.
After Hours is an entertaining black comedy with Griffin Dunne trapped in a yuppies nightmare worthy of 4 stars.

Whos that knockin' is effectively a dry run for Mean Streets. However, Scorcese was still learning his craft in the 60's and whilst there are cinematic references to many classic films you do feel that Scorcese hadn't quite found his own voice at this stage of his career.

Goodfellas is a magnificent film. Only the first two Godfather films are on the same level in modern gangster films. This film has pace. It moves from one classic scene to the next. I remember Scorcese in an interview saying "you want it fast let's make it really fast" - this was his reaction to the 80's trend in fast cutting etc, but he does it with class.
The three lead roles are all marvellously played, and for me if I had to pick one, Joe Pesci would just steal the acting honours. This is a 5 star film.

The box is just cardboard with four DVD's in it. Goodfellas is the special edition which is much superior to the early double sided edition.

A collection that will show you how Scorsese started and how he became a legend.......2005-12-08

An excellent collection, starting at Scorsese's debut feature taking you all the way to his masterpiece goodfellas.

Who's that knocking at my door - Scorsese's film debut out of NYU funded by NYU and Scorsese's agreement to use the doors song the end over a sexy fantasy scene. The film is about falling in love, how the little moments in the beginning of a relationship are so wonderful. The fantasy scene is still groundbreaking today, great on showing how men desire sexual women but fear whores. A must see for any fan of scorsese or anyone who enjoys realistic filmmaking.

Mean Streets - Today, it remains of Scorsese's best and one of the best of the 70s. Mean streets is about a small time hood named Charlie who constantly has sinning on his conscience while attempting to help his crazy friend Johnny boy played by De Niro which led to the role of Don Corleone and an oscar! Wonderful film, beautiful cinematography, and beautiful, personal filmmaking! One of the best I've seen.

Alice doesn't live here anymore - You might think Scorsese sold out working with a major studio and a star but all the elements from his previous films are there. Ellen Burnst won an Oscar for her amazing portrayal of Alice, a widow trying to raise her snotty son while also trying to find a decent man a long the way. This is an excellent movie, one of the most important films of the 70s finally showing the women as the hero.

After Hours - After failing to get his Jesus picture funded and the failure of his dark gem The King of comedy Scorsese resorted to a college kids script called After hours. This is pure 80s filmmaking and pure Kafka esque. Showing a man in a nightmare he had no idea he was getting into with no idea how to get out. Definitely a must see. One of the best dark comedies ever made!

Last but not least GOODFELLAS - Not much to say here. Just the greatest mob film ever made. Goodfellas shows the rise and fall of a group of gangsters from the 60s on. Scorsese directs the film with insight and he puts his electric trademark in every scene. One of the best of all time, this puts the icing on the cake of an excellent collection. It's a Great DVD and an amazing movie that you will appreciate more and more each time.

There you have it, my long review on a great collection. 5 essential films in Scorsese's career. A must own. 5 OUT OF 5!!!

The BEST Scorsese box set on DVD!.......2005-07-22

This is a brilliant collection of Scorsese's films, an even better collection than MGM's Scorsese Box Set! It gives us a Special Edition of "Goodfellas", Scorsese's first film (finally on DVD) "Who's That Knocking At My Door?", "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore", a Special Edition of "Mean Streets" and (another finally on DVD) "After Hours".

The gems of this collection are Mean Streets, After Hours, and Goodfellas. These three films are considered to be among Scrosese's best! Pick this up today if you're a Scorsese fan, or a film buff, or if you're trying to get into Scorsese's work. Recommended.

The Best.......2005-03-20

Think of a world with out Martin Scorsese....... I don't want to, he's the best, and the only!

Marty is God, no, not good, God !!.......2004-12-03

This collection is the must have of any Marty fan and for that matter of any proper cinephile. Through 5 movies it traces the greatest part of Scorsese's stellar (until gangs of NY) carreer. It is extremely precious since it brings us "Who's that knocking at my door?", his first film shot when he was still studying in NYU, for the first time (to my poor French knowledge at least). The box really gives a wonderful overview of the themes that obsessed him in his young years (sex and religion, duty and punition) pictured in WTKAMD and Mean Streets, the film that made him big enough to introduce him to Hollywood, first in B-Movies ("Boxcar Bertha"), then to Oscar winning projects: "Alice doesn't live here anymore". This movie is extremely odd since it could seem to be a "feminist" film, and Scorsese as anyone will tell you is a guys' director (except for last temptation of Christ, the age of Innocence, Kundun... have I said enough to kill the cliché?). This woman "road movie" is nothing like "Thelma and Louise" but is still a very poignant portrait of a woman trying to put her life back together, but carefull, it's not a women's weepie, it's a strong, nuanced work. Which brings us to "After Hours" (one of the projects that ended MS's walk through the desert, along with Raging Bull), this Cannes festival prized movie reconciled MS with the critics and is one of the strangest movies in his carreer, you'll be surprised. And then, possibly his masterpiece, "Goodfellas", I don't think I need to say anything, the movie speaks for itself: WONDERFUL WONDERFUL and, oh, I forgot, WONDERFUL!!!
The DVD's all have commentaries and all of them have other featurettes on the making of the films, or trailers, and Goodfellas is actually the 2 DVD edition. In a word, u NEED to own this !

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