OBITUARY
Diane Keaton, who passed away on October 11, at age 79, left behind a legacy that stretches well beyond her most popular roles.
Yes, her award-winning performance in “Annie Hall” was iconic for its redefinition of romantic comedy, and “The Godfather” wouldn’t have been the same without her, but there was more to this layered artist than her most famous portrayals on screen. She was also an author and director, who enjoyed restoring Hollywood mansions.
Keaton wrote about mental illness from a place of emotional vulnerability. She shared her favorite collection of clowns with the world. She directed a documentary about the experience of dying.
She was always seemingly on the edge of something startlingly fascinating, marching onward with a curious singularity, and she stood out from the typical Hollywood crowd, reminding us that her true spirit exceeded the quirky charm we often saw on screen.
These are a few of the things that made me fall in love with her image and her work:
- Diane Keaton’s Twin Peaks Episode
Keaton’s directorial turn in Twin Peaks – “Twin Peaks Season 2, Episode 15, ” Slaves and Masters”, sets the stage for one of the most delightfully surreal moments of the entire series.
In the episode, quirky visuals and carefully constructed symmetry and symbolism invoke tension and curiosity – unmistakable elements of Twin Peaks. Her instinctual choices nodded to the eerie genius of the show as a whole.
Not to mention, it’s always a treat when we get to see Agent Dale Cooper in flannel.
- A Wardrobe Worth Remembering
Keaton’s fashion choices were often inspired by menswear, defying gender norms and challenging fashion stereotypes. She wore what she wanted – boldly strutting oversized trousers, slouchy blazers, and layers that were unmistakingly her.
Her wardrobe reflected her eccentric and elegant way of being. And she inspired generations to embrace self-expression through personal style.
- Saved: My Picture World – Diane Keaton’s Memory Collage
In her visual autobiography, we are transported to the beautifully fragmented attic of Keaton’s creative mind. We immerse ourselves in her twisted memories through vintage portraits, and striking negatives, in all their crinkled and memorable glory.
Her layered compositions offer a glimpse into her lifelong fascination with visual storytelling.
Despite the creative evidence, Keaton didn’t necessarily view herself as an artist. She once said, “I’m just a person who cuts out paper, throws it up on the wall… I like to play around with cutting objects and putting them in the same moment.”
Now, Diane Keaton’s memory joins the scattered embers of the past in the collages of our collective mind. She will not be forgotten.
