4. Ellen Burstyn- Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Ellen Burstyn chose Martin Scorsese to direct her 1974 vanity project, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore based on something he said during their initial meeting. When asked by Burstyn if he knew anything about women, Scorsese responded by saying "Nothing, but I'd like to learn." He got the job immediately. The film, a touching and often hilarious tale about a single mother struggling to survive in modern day America, is a showcase for Burstyn in the titular role. She creates Alice as a woman who has flaws, and is aware of her shortcomings. She struggles with finding a steady job, maintaining a good relationship with her young son, and beginning a new relationship with a new man in her life. She lives in chaos, but couldn't have it any other way. Alice is a woman that wakes up each day ready for a challenge, and will do what she has to do to achieve her goals. At times in the film she is engaging, difficult, wise and isolated, and Burstyn creates a very human character with traits that both men and women could relate to. Her strong performance under young Scorsese's direction garnered her the Oscar for Best Actress. Ellen Burstyn is considered one of the best actresses of her generation and still continues working in both film and television today.