Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A widow and her kid travel to Monterey, get stuck in Tucson, she becomes a waitress, and kinda settles for a farmer instead of chasing her singing dreams, because reasons.

🍿 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life in Socorro, New Mexico

The film opens with a young Alice dreaming of being a singer in Monterey, California. Flash forward to 1974, and Alice is now a 35-year-old housewife in Socorro, New Mexico, stuck in a loveless marriage with a demanding husband and raising a precocious son, Tommy. She yearns for more than her current life.

Widowhood and the Road to Monterey

When Alice’s husband dies in a truck accident, she decides to pursue her dream of becoming a singer and move back to her hometown, Monterey. She sells her belongings and sets off with Tommy, hoping to find singing gigs along the way to finance their journey.

Phoenix and a Bad Romance

Alice and Tommy stop in Phoenix, Arizona, where Alice finds a job singing in a bar. She meets Ben, a charming man, but discovers he is married and abusive. This leads to a violent confrontation and forces Alice and Tommy to leave Phoenix abruptly.

Tucson and Mel’s Diner

Short on funds, Alice and Tommy arrive in Tucson, Arizona. Alice takes a job as a waitress at Mel’s Diner, a chaotic greasy spoon. There, she meets Flo, a sassy waitress, and David, a divorced rancher who takes an interest in her. Alice begins to form a connection with David, but her past experiences make her hesitant.

Finding a New Path

As Alice navigates her new life in Tucson, she struggles to balance her dreams with the responsibilities of motherhood. Tommy gets into trouble with a tomboyish friend, Audrey, and Alice confronts her reliance on men. She and David work through their differences, and Alice begins to consider a future in Tucson, potentially giving up on her Monterey dream.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alice Hyatt (Ellen Burstyn): A recently widowed woman determined to pursue her singing career and create a better life for herself and her son.
• Tommy (Alfred Lutter III): Alice’s precocious and often ill-mannered son who accompanies her on her journey.
• David (Kris Kristofferson): A divorced rancher who becomes Alice’s love interest, offering her a chance at a stable life.
• Flo (Diane Ladd): A wisecracking and supportive waitress who befriends Alice at Mel’s Diner.
• Ben (Harvey Keitel): A charming but volatile man Alice briefly dates, revealing a pattern of poor relationship choices.
• Mel (Vic Tayback): The gruff owner and short-order cook of Mel’s Diner, where Alice works as a waitress.
• Audrey (Jodie Foster): A tomboyish friend of Tommy who gets him into trouble and represents a lack of parental supervision.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Flo: “Mel, you can kiss my grits!” – Although this specific line is more associated with the TV series, Flo’s sassy and defiant attitude is present in the movie and captures her character’s essence.
• Alice: “I want to be somebody!” – Expresses her desire to escape her mundane life and pursue her dream of being a singer.
• Tommy: “Shoot the dog!” – Tommy tells the joke, highlighting the humor of their chaotic relationship and Tommy’s precocious, if sometimes inappropriate, nature.
• Alice: “I’m going to Monterey.” – Recurring statement that emphasizes her determination and hope for a better life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.8M
• Domestic Gross: $18.6M
• Worldwide Gross: $18.6M

💥 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’! It felt so real and raw. Ellen Burstyn’s performance was incredible; I felt every emotion she was going through. The diner scenes with Flo and Mel were hilarious, and the ending, while maybe not a fairytale, felt honest and hopeful. I really connected to the struggle of a woman trying to find her place in the world.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ellen Burstyn and Martin Scorsese”
  • “Viewers interested in 1970s feminist themes”
  • “Those who enjoy character-driven dramas and road movies”
  • “Fans of movies about single mothers and self-discovery”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes, including widowhood, single parenthood, and abusive relationships”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Some thematic elements may not be suitable for young children”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Burstyn’s performance is a revelation, a complex portrait of a woman finding her way in a world that offers few easy answers. Scorsese’s direction is both energetic and sensitive, capturing the gritty reality of Alice’s journey with a touch of humor and warmth. It’s a film about resilience, friendship, and the courage to redefine one’s dreams.
• Variety: “Ellen Burstyn delivers a knockout performance as a woman striking out on her own. Scorsese’s unusual, but effective, blending of comedy and drama keeps the story fresh and engaging, proving his versatility as a director. Diane Ladd is a standout as Flo, delivering memorable lines with perfect comedic timing.
• Vincent Canby: “This film provides some of Scorsese’s most assured and empathetic work. Burstyn gives an Oscar-winning performance, but it is supported by a superb cast. This film is a great example of its time period and will be seen for generations.

Audience Reactions

Ellen Burstyn’s Oscar-winning performance is universally praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.: The movie’s realistic portrayal of a single mother’s struggles and the strong female characters resonate with viewers.

The chemistry between Ellen Burstyn and Kris Kristofferson makes for a believably flawed but loving relationship.: The film is funny, touching, and a heartwarming exploration of female independence.

Overall Consensus: A poignant and relatable story of a woman’s journey to self-discovery, anchored by outstanding performances and Scorsese’s insightful direction.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1975

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ellen Burstyn won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance, but initially, Martin Scorsese was hesitant to direct a ‘woman’s picture.'”
• “The film served as the basis for the long-running sitcom ‘Alice,’ though the tone and storylines were significantly different.”
• “The opening sequence is a deliberate homage to classic Hollywood musicals like ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ setting up Alice’s initial dreams and fantasies.”
• “Jodie Foster appears in a small role as Audrey, Tommy’s friend, before her breakthrough role in ‘Taxi Driver,’ also directed by Scorsese.”

🖥️ How to Watch Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore?

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is available to rent or purchase on various platforms. Check Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental and purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can also be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, you might like these similar films:

• Norma Rae (1979): Similar in its portrayal of a working-class woman fighting for her independence and a better life.
• Thelma & Louise (1991): Features two women on a road trip, seeking freedom and escaping difficult circumstances, though with a more dramatic and criminal bent.
• Terms of Endearment (1983): Explores mother-daughter relationships and personal growth amidst life’s challenges, with a focus on strong female characters.
• Nomadland (2020): A modern take on the road movie, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and finding community while living an unconventional life on the road.

🛒 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore Related Products

• Alice: The Complete Series: Relive all nine seasons of the classic TV sitcom ‘Alice,’ inspired by the movie! Enjoy hours of diner laughs and heartwarming moments with Flo, Mel, and the gang.
• Mel’s Diner Mug: Enjoy your morning coffee with this Mel’s Diner mug, inspired by the restaurant in the film. Durable, high-quality ceramic with the iconic Mel’s Diner logo.
• Ellen Burstyn: A Biography: This comprehensive biography explores the life and career of Ellen Burstyn, from her early years to her Oscar-winning performance in ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’. Filled with exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore – Movie Poster: This high-quality reprint captures the original movie poster. This poster is a timeless collectible for movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “All the Way from Memphis” – performed by Mott the Hoople
• “You’ll Never Know” – performed by Alice Faye
• “Where or When” – performed by Ellen Burstyn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Barbra Streisand Talks About the Movie Roles She Turned Down

Ever wonder why certain actors turn down iconic roles? Barbra Streisand reveals why she passed on “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” offering some fascinating insight into the choices actors make!

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore…

Want a quick taste of ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’? This scene perfectly captures the film’s humor and the strong-willed characters that make it so special. Kay is savage!

Timeless Transformation: 64: Oscar Best Actresses of the 1970s: Then and Now

See how Ellen Burstyn and other amazing actresses from the 70s have changed over the years! It’s a cool reminder of the talent that defined the decade.

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