ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (1974) ** You can look out the
window and see plenty of boring, sad stories. I don't need any fake
ones. The premise that they're all interesting is, if true,
distracting from the real ones. I guess that was supposed to be a
happy ending, but I see only nihilists rubbing their hands with glee.
Ellen Burstyn is obvious enough as everywoman without any talent
(which Martin Scorsese highlights by following her performance with
Dolly Parton sangin' "I Will Always Love You" on the jukebox) who
wants to be a star, but...there's not even enough time to listen to
everyone who does have talent. Speaking of which, Kris Kristofferson
is very believable as that kind of simple guy who walks into the
diner and sits there hoping the waitress will notice him so he
doesn't have to do much small talk, because his life isn't of the
sort that generates much to talk about. All of which goes to show
that he's a very fine actor. Scorsese shoots it all the way it could
be shot, omitting funerals...maybe some of the point is that we
should be grateful that we're not the people depicted. We are, we
are! Grateful, I mean. The only parts where it gained any pleasant
traction on my psyche whatsoever were the appearances of Jodie
Foster, eager to get high on ripple, and take whatever she needs. Is
there an argument that she's the only genuinely happy character
presented? An existential feminist hero for...ah, never mind. If
you can get there, you've probably already gone. As for the other
kid, at least he listens to Mott the Hoople loud.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything
Internet Movie Database