Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)

One of the biggest television hits of the 1970's was based on a Martin Scorsese film. The story of Alice began with Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. A quintessential 70's tearjerker. For fans of gritty Scorsese, prepare to be underwhelmed. This is arguably his most wholesome film, at least until Hugo, and even that film is darker than this. Aside from particular editing choices, a poppy soundtrack and familiar in-depth character development, Marty's touch is absent here. But what we get in return is a really, really good portrait of a strong woman. Ellen Burstyn is tremendous here. I felt her pain, and her longing for things to be normal again. Young Jodie Foster was amusing to see. Kind of reminded me of Macaulay Culkin. 4 STARS