Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Gritty '70s dramedy has some violence, strong language.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE because she (Ellen Burstyn) decides, after her husband dies, to leave New Mexico with her 11-year-old son Tommy and go back to California, where she grew up. Along the way she stops in Tucson to try and find a job so she can earn enough money to make it all the way home. There she meets and starts dating Ben (Harvey Keitel). It doesn't take long for Ben's dark side to make an appearance, and Alice and Tommy end up fleeing Tuscon in fear. Next stop is Phoenix, where the job search continues. Unable to find work as a lounge singer (the only job she's ever had), she settles for waitressing at a diner where she meets and befriends a colorful, oddball crew. One of the diner's handsome regulars, David (Kris Kristofferson), sets his eye on Alice. Does he have a dark side, too, or can he and Alice build a life together?
Is It Any Good?
Ellen Burstyn won a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in this movie, and it's solid work; unfortunately, a fantastic cast and a too-rare female protagonist are the best this movie has to offer. A number of scenes either don't make sense or aren't effective at what they're meant to convey. Several cuts lead to a new scene that doesn't logically follow or flow from what came before. The story doesn't end; the movie just stops at what feels like a random moment in Alice's life. Scorsese's camera work, with lots of movement and bumpy hand-held shots, reminds the viewer that they're watching a movie rather than mirroring Alice's feelings about her life and her place in the world.
In its time, 1974, it was an important movie not just because it had a woman protagonist, but also because it took such an in-depth look at Alice's life, her setbacks and struggles, as well as her hopes for herself and her son. But now it's unlikely to hold the interest of an audience that doesn't remember or thoroughly understand how women's roles in society were changing in those years, which is really key to understanding Alice and her struggles. That being said, aspiring actors and fans of the craft will definitely feel like they got a master class from it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Is it a big deal, or is it how people really talk? Is it different if kids are doing the swearing versus adults? Why or why not?
How have social and economic opportunities for women changed since 1974? What were Alice's expectations for her life and her relationships? Are they any different from yours? Why was pursuing her dreams so difficult for her?
What about our perceptions of feminism? Is this a feminist movie? What does "feminist" mean to you?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 9, 1974
- On DVD or streaming: August 17, 2004
- Cast: Ellen Burstyn , Kris Kristofferson , Harvey Keitel , Diane Ladd , Jodie Foster
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Adventures , Friendship
- Run time: 112 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: January 2, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate