 Writer-director Sole's own proclaiming of himself as an "ex-Catholic" supports this interpretation of the film's religious themes and undertones.Prior to writing and directing "Alice, Sweet Alice", Sole had directed his debut feature, an adult film titled "Deep Sleep", in 1972.The release of the film resulted in obscenity charges being brought against him in the state of New Jersey, as well as formal excommunication from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey; this event has been credited as influential to the apparent anti-religious bent of "Alice, Sweet Alice".