Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

1974Movie112 minEnglish

After her husband dies, Alice and her son, Tommy, leave their small New Mexico town for California, where Alice hopes to make a new life for herself as a singer. Money problems force them to settle in Arizona instead, where Alice takes a job as waitress in a small diner.

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IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users89%
Director: Martin ScorseseGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

Alice Hyatt, a widow with a young son, leaves her abusive husband after his death and sets out to pursue a singing career. She travels across the country, facing various challenges and hardships while trying to find a new life for herself and her son. Along the way, she encounters different people and experiences love, loss, and self-discovery.

Critical Reception

The film was critically acclaimed, praised for its strong performances, particularly by Ellen Burstyn, and its realistic portrayal of a woman's struggle for independence in the 1970s. It was seen as a significant film for its feminist themes and its exploration of complex female characters.

What Reviewers Say

  • Ellen Burstyn delivers a powerhouse, Oscar-winning performance.
  • Martin Scorsese's early work showcases a gritty realism and empathetic direction.
  • The film is lauded for its honest and nuanced portrayal of female independence and resilience.

Google audience: Audiences frequently praise Ellen Burstyn's incredible acting and the film's authentic depiction of a woman's journey. Many appreciate its powerful themes of self-reliance and its relatable, though sometimes tough, characters.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Ellen Burstyn. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Fun Fact

The diner scene where Alice and Ben finally have a conversation was improvised by the actors, with director Martin Scorsese allowing them to develop the dialogue organically.

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