There are a slew of actresses that raised me from a child through today. Diane Keaton was one of them. And although Bette, Goldie, Meryl, and Glenn became household names in more bombastic ways, it was always the cool confidence (and let’s not forget the fashion) of the singular Diane Keaton. Their films were our textbooks on a world beyond our own.
And as a Black man growing up in the South, it must also be noted that all of the aforementioned white women are revered within our households. I was definitely too young to watch ‘The Godfather’ when I did, but my father loved the film, and since I was always in tow, I was forced to take it in.
I shouldn’t say forced.
Persuaded.
And from then on, I was a fan of just about everyone from that movie and followed all of their careers over the years. All auteurs. All phenomenal. All in a class of their own.
It is strange for me to not have Diane Keaton on this earth anymore. She has always been there. That modern woman who could be one of the girls, seamlessly place men on pedestals and just as quickly under her heels. She, who could walk into a room and think to herself she’s a klutz, but to everyone else, they’re in love.
That is the Diane Keaton I know and adore and love.
Her Brilliance Was in Her Beautiful Contradictions
Shy and reserved, coy and feisty. I followed Diane’s career with a devotion usually reserved for family. What set Keaton apart from many actresses was her ability to dive through emotions in nanoseconds, throwing you through every fiber of emotion and making you really feel it. Her depth as an actress, her choices as a woman, and her timeless, trend-defying fashion sense should be studied for ages.
I believe it will be.
Some say lots of talent and a bit of luck make an icon. Others say it is predetermined. Whatever the case may be, what is 100% fact?
Diane Keaton is one.
Keaton’s career never faded. She never had a slide into obscurity. She never chased trends. Diane drove her own ship, played by her own rules. Never one to follow anyone’s mantra but her own, she caused slight ripples when she adopted children by herself, and stated without hesitation that marriage was not her vibe. And considering her illustrious list of male suitors over the years, it was a bold statement to make.
The Keaton Touch Was a Gift of Unparalleled Singularity
On screen, Keaton was simply magic. Every role she made her own. From Annie Hall’s endearing neuroses to the steely grace of Kay Corleone and the hilarious desperation of ‘The First Wives Club’, she imbued every character with a uniquely Keaton-esque spirit — a beautiful blend of intelligent observation and heartfelt whimsy. In fact, I dare you to name another actress that could be cast in a Keaton role and have the same impact.
The Keaton touch is not to be duplicated. It is to be admired and revered for its singularity. She made us feel understood in our own insecurities and empowered in our individuality. She was a constant, comforting, and dazzling presence in a chaotic world that sometimes didn’t make sense. The reel may have run out, but the impression she left on our hearts is infinite. For that, we will be forever grateful. In the end, it’s about how the person made you feel.
And Diane Keaton made me – made us – feel good.
Rest in power, Diane. You were, and always will be, simply magic.
