In terms of pure cinema I've always thought that this is film is one of Scorsese's best, and that is saying a whole lot. Starting with the jarring juxtaposition of the red-lit opening sequence of young Alice with the reality of present day, this movie is a visual tour de force. In the first few minutes Scorsese establishes Alice's need for companionship and her love of music while painting a poignant portrait of this little family. Essentially this is a road movie and its ending has been commented on in several posts as a Hollywood sell out. I don't see that. It is a very bittersweet ending, with Alice having to give up the singing part of her dream for the time being. A Hollywood ending would have had her opening her one-woman show in Monterey or San Francisco (wasn't the movie clip in the hotel from that movie?). As it is she has someone that cares about her and her son. A wonderful trip. Highly recommended.
Review of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
