Renowned filmmaker Woody Allen has expressed his condolences for his former muse and co-star, Diane Keaton.
The acclaimed actress passed away on Saturday, October 11, at the age of 75. A representative for her family confirmed the news over the weekend, stating she died in California but withheld further specifics, requesting privacy for her loved ones to grieve the loss.
Keaton’s illustrious career spanned fifty years, featuring roles in iconic films such as Twin Peaks, The First Wives Club, and The Godfather. She also won an Academy Award for her performance in the 1977 film Annie Hall, where she starred alongside Woody Allen.
The movie centered on Allen’s character, comedian Alvy Singer, and his tumultuous relationship with Keaton’s character, aspiring nightclub singer Annie Hall.
In real life, Keaton and Allen were romantically involved from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
Keaton appeared in eight of Allen’s fifty films, with notable performances in Manhattan, Radio Days, and Play It Again, Sam. In a tribute published in the Free Press, Allen remembered his co-star as ‘charming’ and ‘beautiful.’
“Over time, I crafted films for Diane Keaton,” Allen mentioned. “I never read any reviews of my work and valued only Keaton’s opinion on it.”
He described Keaton as someone ‘unlike anyone the planet has experienced,’ adding: “Her presence and laughter brightened any room she entered.”
Reflecting on her passing, he remarked: “A short while ago, the world included Diane Keaton.
“Now it’s a world without her. It’s a more somber place. Yet, her films endure. Her infectious laugh still resonates in my mind.”
Although fans of the 1977 romantic comedy cherish its legacy, some face challenges in doing so with ease.
Annie Hall was acclaimed for its innovative storytelling techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and its non-linear narrative. However, some themes have aged poorly over time.
Allen’s character, Alvy, displays ‘sex obsessed’ behavior, with instances where his partner ‘wishes not to engage,’ as noted by Philip Sledge from Cinema Blend.
The film also features a scene where Alvy is upset about being released from jail because he was with 16-year-old twin girls, contemplating the ‘mathematical possibilities’ of the encounter.
In Los Angeles, where the scene is set, the girls were below the age of consent. Changing societal attitudes make these themes more contentious, particularly in light of later allegations against Allen.
In August 1992, Dylan Farrow, the adopted daughter of Allen and actress Mia Farrow, accused Allen of sexual assault during a custody battle. These claims were investigated but ultimately dismissed by two official bodies, and no criminal charges were filed. Allen has adamantly denied the allegations, labeling them as ‘untrue and disgraceful.’
The year prior, Allen began a relationship with 21-year-old Soon-Yi Previn, Farrow’s adopted daughter, who is 35 years younger than him.
Previn was adopted by Farrow and her former husband, Andre Previn, from South Korea in 1978. Farrow and Allen were still together when she discovered the affair.
Previn and Allen married in Venice, Italy, in 1997 and later adopted two daughters themselves.
Throughout, Keaton has consistently supported Allen, even amidst the sexual assault allegations. In 2018, during the rise of the #MeToo movement, Keaton took to social media to clarify her position.
“Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him,” she wrote. “It might be insightful to watch the 60 Minutes interview from 1992 and form your own opinion.”
In recent interviews, Keaton described Allen as ‘so amazing,’ telling the Guardian in 2023: “Being with Woody was always truly special. He was incredible. He was everything, and he remains so to me. He gave me everything. Woody made it feel natural.
“That was incredibly helpful to me.”