“Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” is a 1974 American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Robert Getchell, and starring Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Alfred Lutter III, and Harvey Keitel. The film follows the journey of Alice Hyatt, a recently widowed 35-year-old woman who, with her young son Tommy, leaves New Mexico for California to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a singer.
The film begins with Alice’s life in New Mexico, where she works as a waitress in a diner. Her husband, Donald, dies suddenly in a truck accident, leaving her to care for their 12-year-old son, Tommy. Alice decides to move to Monterey, California, where she hopes to start a new life and pursue her passion for singing. Along the way, she meets and falls for a rancher named David, played by Kris Kristofferson.
After arriving in Monterey, Alice quickly finds work at a local diner, where she makes friends with other waitresses and begins to build a new life for herself and Tommy. However, her dreams of becoming a singer are put on hold as she struggles to make ends meet and care for her son. Alice also faces challenges in her relationship with David, who is emotionally unavailable and cannot commit to a long-term relationship.
As Alice’s life in Monterey progresses, she realizes that she needs to be true to herself and her dreams. She decides to leave David and pursue her passion for singing, taking a job in Tucson, Arizona, where she performs at a bar. However, Tommy is unhappy in Tucson, and Alice ultimately decides to return to Monterey to be closer to him and continue her pursuit of a singing career.
Ultimately, Alice achieves her dream of becoming a successful singer and reconciles with David, who has had a change of heart and is ready to commit to a long-term relationship. The film concludes with Alice and Tommy leaving Monterey to start a new life together, with Alice finally feeling free to pursue her dreams.
“Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” is a poignant and honest exploration of a woman’s journey to find herself after the death of her husband. Burstyn’s performance as Alice is both powerful and vulnerable, making her a relatable and compelling character. The film also touches on themes of self-discovery, love, and the challenges of single motherhood, making it a timeless and beloved classic.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is available to watch on most streaming services.
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