I absolutely love Alice in the Cities. As a dedicated Wim Wenders fan I was very pleased to take another viewing of Alice, this time in a recently restored version. From making time to watch the Extras available on the disc I was extremely impressed to learn about the establishment of the Wim Wenders Foundation and the efforts to restore some of his earliest films. It is more than obvious that Wenders retains a great affection for Alice, his second film, made for around $250,000, a sum which, given that this was the entire budget even in 1974 would, you'd think, restrict the director's ambitions. Its lasting charm rests largely on the performances from Yella Rottlaender and Ruediger Vogler, the casting another touch of inspiration by Wenders.
It may be that the initial 20 minutes of Alice seem to drag and be going nowhere. Let me assure the first time viewer that it leads to the most delightful two-hander, both funny and touching, so stick with it and I'm sure you won't regret it.....
You have to be a dedicated Wim Wenders fan to enjoy this film. The few moments of good interaction between the journalist and the girl do not compensate for fuzzy and shaky black and white shots that are completely out-dated and emulate poor amateur video. If you expect this to be compensated for by the story, you will be disappointed. It has a total lack of focus, and drags on, so that the 107 minutes seem far longer.
Sadly there are none of the beautiful cinematography and scenery you can see in his far better film (on a similar theme) Paris, Texas.
Very charming, moody filming gives a great sense of place. The main characters are portrayed with fine sensitivity and the whole film is gently moving. One of my all-time favourites.