German journalist Philip Winter (Rudiger Vogler) has a case of writer's block whilst trying to write an article about his travels across the United States. He turns up at his publisher's with nothing but a huge collection of polaroids and is sacked. Facing flight delays on his return to Germany, he befriends mother Lisa (Elisabeth Kreuzer) and her 9 year-old daughter Alice (Yella Rottlander). Drawn together out of their situation, Alice is left in Winter's care temporarily, until, that is, it becomes apparent that Lisa has legged it. Winter and Lisa must begin a cross-Europe search for Lisa, all the while becoming closer as they spend more time together.
Shot in black-and-white, Alice In The Cities, explores many of the same themes covered in Wim Wenders' other and more popular film Paris, Texas (1984). Loneliness, friendship and parenthood are clearly of importance to the great German director, and they are all covered with a beauty and simplicity. The mysticism of the road is a key theme, as the dullness and emptiness of the various hotel rooms become a metaphor for Winter's heart. He is simply stuck in the middle of nowhere, without a job or anyone around of any importance. Alice is abandoned by her mother, and the two lost souls connect in what is an extremely moving and affecting film, which deserves to be more popular.
Directed by: Wim Wenders
Country: West Germany
Rating: *****
Tom Gillespie
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