A cinematic icon has left us, and the world is mourning. In a beautiful tribute, AMC Theatres is re-releasing two of Diane Keaton's most beloved films: Annie Hall and Something's Gotta Give. This is a chance to revisit the magic of her performances and celebrate a career that spanned decades.
Diane Keaton, who unexpectedly passed away on October 11th at the age of 79, just weeks after the passing of Robert Redford, left an indelible mark on Hollywood. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, her loss, along with Redford's, is a significant blow to the era of New Hollywood, when studios were still making movies for mature audiences.
Annie Hall, a product of Keaton's long-standing collaboration with Woody Allen, is a landmark film. Their creative partnership, both during and after their romantic relationship, produced some of her most celebrated work. Keaton's portrayal in Annie Hall earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, a testament to her talent and the film's enduring appeal.
Released in April 1977, Annie Hall garnered a respectable $38.3 million at the domestic box office, without adjusting for inflation. Its cultural impact, however, is immeasurable. It holds the 31st spot on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest Movies in American Cinema and ranks 4th on its comedy list.
Keaton's career was studded with accolades, including three more Oscar nominations. Something's Gotta Give, directed by Nancy Meyers and co-starring Jack Nicholson and Keanu Reeves, provided an unexpected twist on the classic May-to-December romance. The 2003 film was a major commercial success, earning $124.7 million domestically and $142 million internationally, totaling $266.7 million worldwide. This makes it the highest-grossing live-action film of Keaton's career in a leading role, not adjusted for inflation.
Other theater chains are expected to follow suit with their own Keaton retrospectives. Her films have also seen a surge in popularity on platforms like iTunes. On Monday, Something's Gotta Give was at No. 5, followed by Annie Hall at No. 14. Other films like Because I Said So, Reds, and Baby Boom also experienced a boost, showcasing the breadth and depth of her work.
But here's where it gets controversial... Keaton's work with Woody Allen is inseparable from her legacy, and his career is marked by controversy. Do you think it's possible to appreciate the art while acknowledging the complexities of the artist? What are your favorite Diane Keaton films, and why do they resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!