Diane Keaton,Style Icon of the 1970s,Dies at 79
Diane Keaton,a leading figure in the revitalization of American film in the 1970s and a defining style icon for the decade’s liberated women,has died at the age of 79. Keaton rose to prominence alongside contemporaries like Jane Fonda and Faye Dunaway as Hollywood recovered from a period of economic uncertainty and shifting industry structures.
Keaton began her career with a strong theater background, landing a significant role in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptations of Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974). She portrayed Kay Adams, the wife of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in both films. She then collaborated with her partner at the time, Woody Allen, on a series of comedies including Play It Again, Sam (1972), Sleeper (1973), and Love and Death (1975).
Her breakthrough role came with the 1977 modern screwball comedy Annie Hall, for which she won an Academy Award and cemented her status as a fashion icon. Keaton’s androgynous style – consisting of “sacking pants, white shirt, black vest, black tie, scarf and felt hat” – became a defining look for the 1970s. The character of Annie Hall was partly autobiographical,drawing from Keaton’s own last name and nickname. Annie Hall was both a commercial and critical success, revitalizing the romantic comedy genre with its “speedy dialog, postmodern flashes against the camera and implied anxiety.” The film satirized the urban middle class and its interest with popular psychology.
throughout her career,Keaton became known for portraying ”eccentric and intellectual women with the heart in the right place.” Her “distinctive charm and mild facial expressions” made her a beloved figure, demonstrating her range for decades. She skillfully balanced comedic and dramatic roles, captivating audiences with both her “heartworthy laughter” and ”heartbreaking tears.” Her preference for men’s clothing, glasses, and a “confident elegance” became integral to her public persona.
Keaton showcased her comedic talent in films like The first Wives Club (1996) and Something’s Gotta Give (2003), and demonstrated her dramatic range in Reds (1981) and Marvin’s Room (1996). Demonstrating her continued vitality, she even appeared in Justin Bieber’s music video for Ghost at the age of 70, retaining both her style and charisma.
(Photo: Michel Lipchitz, Cannes Film Festival 1987)
