When talking to Diane Keaton, you get the sense that she loves to discuss just about anything – her beloved mother, her impressive co-stars, her Photos pulled from a coffee table book about poor dental hygiene she found at a flea market—except for herself.
If she were to talk about herself, there would be a lot of content from her early career New York Theatre, The Godfather Movies and prolific collaboration with Woody Allen. Since then, she’s been nominated four times for an Oscar – she won by Ruddard 1974 of Annie Hall — with the movie Reds and look for Mr. Goodbar to prove her dramatic muscles, and titles like of First Ladies Club and Something’s Gotta Give cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s greatest screen comedians. In her most recent career, she starred in Book Club (gross $26 million worldwide), surrounded by Other equally honored Hollywood veterans of the Jane Fonda variety.
Off-screen, there is a profusion of writing and photography that has spawned a best-selling memoir and photobook about California architecture (Keaton is a staunch conservationist), and her widely acclaimed Acclaimed style – trousers, turtlenecks, big belts and big hats.
The experience of talking on the phone with Keaton on a Tuesday afternoon is not much different from seeing Keaton perform. There are torrents, illogicalities and self-deprecation, all interspersed with no-nonsense asides about life, family and career. Before the Book Club sequel is released (May 002 via Focus Features), Keaton Bypass Her career, and what keeps her in Hollywood — and many other things on and off topic.
Are you OK?
I’m really happy with the weather right now because it’s so bright. The sun was—well, I didn’t see the sun, but the sky was blue. marvelous.
I know you grew up in Southern California.
I’m never leaving, you know. I lived in New York for a few years; sometimes I have a fantasy that I can be both, you know? I’ve been trying to buy a house in Laguna [Beach] for the last year because my mom and dad love it, but you can’t. I’ve been trying to get one for the whole of last year, can you believe it?
Did growing up in California or being here now inspire you as a performer?
Oh yes. I thought, yes, all of them. My mother is Lady Los Angeles, and I met her on stage [when I was a girl]. [California] means everything to me. I will never actually leave here for another permanent place. I love New York and I remember being there because of acting classes with our teacher Sandy Meissner and things like that. I think we hold on to our past as we move on.
When I tell people about this interview, they name your movie and your Instagram. Does using Instagram bring you joy?
Yes. [It was] an excuse to go ahead and try something, to play around. That’s what’s great about it.
You bring a unique sense of style to it. People really see you as a personal style bellwether.
Well, I don’t know. (Laughing.)
What is it to you Made a great character, one you want to play?
This is a person with problems, problems in her life. It’s also about people, actors and directors [working with you]. It all depends. [Someone] will make you partly be like that, or feel better about whatever you’re doing, rather than you worrying about how it’s all going to bear. But I’ve been around for a long time, and I still love it. I mean, it was really fun to work with Andy Garcia. You feel good about yourself.
what makes you want to come back for a second Book Club movie?
We did the first one and it was really fun. Then the second one will be in Europe. I think it works great. Of course, the people I work with are smart, so that helps. And, you know, there are some happy parts, like where men have to like me. Those guys have to love my tiny moments. Not just liking me – loving me, caring about me, finding me charming and wonderful. Gorgeous, of course, it’s there. ( laughing at
.) I’m kidding! Dream on, idiot.
How does it feel to be back with other women?
I’ve done two movies with these three women, each with a unique, amazing character . Mary Steenburgen was the kindest mother of them all. She is really a great actress and she is with everyone. You just look at her and you feel like you’re being helped. And of course Jane [Fonda], she will always be Jane. What kind of life was that? She’s brilliant, she’s had such a brilliant life, and she’s still going. Then there’s Candice [Bergen], she’s by far the funniest person. She’s a character in all of us, hilarious and straightforward. Just the scene with you and Jane Fonda, where you talk about regrets and near missed opportunities. What was it like filming that?
This really touched me. All went well, let’s just put it this way. Because sometimes you worry a lot about something, especially when it’s related to emotions, feelings, worries, worries, etc. The truth is, if you let go and be with someone you really respect, everything will work out.
How could you define your career’s latest act?
I feel the same way about anything that happens. If it’s ok, then I can manage it. Or, if I don’t feel comfortable with myself, I learn something from someone.
Do you think the industry is for older actors Offered a good opportunity? Not necessary. It depends on who. But I don’t really take it to heart. My answer is that I was lucky. If it’s not acting, there are other things you can do to keep you going. I am obsessed with photos and photography books. I have a huge wall with all these pictures that I just grab. Here right now I’m looking at this [photo] book I got from a man who had a really bad time at the dentist with his mouth wide open and his teeth really shaped very bad. He is looking at me now. ( laughing .) I don’t want you to miss it! It’s really fun. I saw this photo of a naked man from the back, with a hand on the back of his upper body. So this is unusual, just to let you know. Then I have a picture of my sisters Dorrie and Robin. Of course, there are several pictures of the dog. It’s just stuffed with images. It’s amazing what you can find. Like a photo from a guy’s bad trip to the dentist. Well, this is the story of my life. I had an interesting experience at a dentist’s office. It wasn’t great, but it’s fine now. I have my teeth. You should be proud of me. ( laughing at .) You’ll be praying to get rid of this [phone] soon. Buenavista Image/Courtesy Everett Collection You have a lot of directorial work, from the Belinda Carlyle music video to ‘059s series 
. Creatively, what do you get from directing that you don’t get from acting?
I thought I could do it, but actually, it’s pretty rough. I’m not saying [people] are rude or anyone, it’s me. Sometimes it’s easier, but sometimes you feel anxious. You need to be really invested in it and really smart about the topic you’re researching. As an actress, I understand that better — or the type of actor, or whatever I am — just by being one of the characters.
You noticed a while you were in
Book Club
Movie?
you do. It’s also what a day looks like, and how you feel that day or that morning. When you’re in it, especially with really good actresses or actors, you get scared and worried, but then things start to look better. You can’t really rely on yourself all the time to have a clear idea of what your goals are. Obviously, I love it because I’ve been doing it from the moment I had the chance to try it. Of course, I went to acting school and did all these things, and I was in hair
I think I know. I am in Hair Anniversary piece, you personally chose to make musical costumes, but I can’t find you talking about that decision.
Oh no. I never had a problem with my body, it was just a fear of singing that song. Yes. Because there was something wrong with that song. you know what I mean? I still have bad feelings about singing ( she sang
maybe not.
Anyone else watching Hair? Is it already on stage, or is it over? I really do not know.
I am also not certain.
interesting. But wish they got rid of that little song there.
There may not be many middle school productions hair moving around.
(laughs. ) Highly unlikely.
One of your movies recently had a big anniversary, godfather. In the past, you said that you felt you were playing the wrong role of Kay Corleone.
Oh, are you kidding me? certainly! I was terrified. I don’t understand why me. I mean, I went to an audition. I didn’t even — I didn’t read it. Look, it’s bad! But I needed a job, so I went there. I’d been auditioning for about a year, and then it just happened. I kept thinking, “Why me? Why did he vote for me?” I didn’t understand. I still don’t, really.
Have you asked the director?
I didn’t ask because I never really had a paralyzing friendship with our director [Francis Ford Coppola]. Tell me, “Try this. ’ That’s it! It’s not what I thought it was. I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m in trouble. I shouldn’t be here. I should be more of a comedy type. “
So you’ve always preferred comedy?
Um, of course. Yes. But more and more important is who you act with and who directs you.
Yes In your opinion, what makes a great director?
Great script. I think a great director needs a great script.
You have a long-term relationship with both Nancy Meyers , Woody Allen, and Goldie Hawn. How do you know you’ve found a kindred spirit? Is it love at first sight? No, it’s anxiety. You’re worried. If the director or the people you’re acting with are great, it’s worrisome. “How does this match that…? Can I do…? What am I…? oh dear. ’ You’re just a little worried until it’s easier. I’m sure most people have felt that way. Goldie and Bette [Midler], in that particular movie [ The First Wives Club], it was funny, I remember always feeling anxious and uneasy a little worried about that. why are you in such a rush? because they are really amazing actresses! You know, I don’t really know them. But but Changes over time – like life. I’m lucky and it’s awesome to see them work because they work in different ways and I work in a weird way. Not that theirs Weird. Mine is weird. ( laughing.
How would you describe your process other than “odd”?
lucky. I’m very lucky. I remember when I got the deodorant job [Keaton starred in one 1970 AD Hour After Hour Deodorant ], which was the biggest job I had ever done. That sealed the deal. I would be nervous, anxious, work hard, and get work done. It’s becoming more and more normal.
. Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
When are you most comfortable on set?
A little bit. And then in some cases, you can never be comfortable in that situation.
Where does your greatest comfort come from?
I would say my mother. She is everything. She, herself, would be an actress. She could. She is also Mrs. Highland Park. I watched my mom at the Highland Park Theater when I was 6, and I’m still there, and I watch her win. We moved because Dad had a job in Santa Ana, so that was her job. As far as I know, the choices I made were to get myself out of a life you could say was more normal – like marriage – and I noticed that night what it meant when she had to give up everything. She’s over. I remember that event and it really had a huge impact on me. She is very generous to us. If you have an idea, she’s there. My career comes from my mother. So did my father, in his own way.
Looking back on your career, is there any performance that left a deep impression on you?
The first Woody Allen movie [1974 of play again, Sam
]. That’s it. I’m in it, and I have lines. I am very surprised by this.
2630192 won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Do you feel the allegations against Woody Allen or his other controversies Overshadow the work you did together?
No, not at all. No, I’m proud of it. I couldn’t be more proud.
What inspired you to continue working in Hollywood?
Good part. A great piece. It’s not always good, but sometimes they’re charming.
One last question I want to ask you—
You are in luck. You are almost free! (laughing.)
I absolutely love this. What’s there You haven’t solved it yet but you really want to solve it?
I want to move on.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
This story first appeared in April issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. 2023Click here to subscribe .
