Diane Keaton: More Than an Icon, An Unseen Director

Though Diane Keaton, who recently passed away, was primarily celebrated for her numerous memorable acting performances, the renowned star also explored less public avenues for her artistic expression.

Beyond her on-screen work, Keaton — whose passing occurred on Saturday, October 11, at 79 years old — additionally worked as a director, taking charge behind the scenes for various music videos, films, and TV productions.

The actress, known for Family Stone, notably — and somewhat unexpectedly — made an appearance in Justin Bieber’s music video for his successful 2021 track, “Ghost.”

“I somehow became involved with that track, and they invited me to join them in performing it on the beach,” Keaton remembered about her collaboration with the pop sensation in a clip Access Hollywood reposted on Instagram soon after her passing. “It was incredibly enjoyable, truly wonderful. And he behaved admirably. He is an excellent person, very gifted, and I adore that tune.”

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(Three years subsequent, Keaton ventured into music herself, unveiling the holiday single “First Christmas.”)

The actress from Something’s Gotta Give additionally helmed a 1991 installment of Twin Peaks, and a 1990 episode for the show China Beach.

Keaton seldom discussed her work as a director, but in an April 2023 conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, she conveyed that she found directing more challenging than anticipated.

“I believed I was capable, but in truth, it proved difficult. I don’t imply that others were difficult, but rather it was myself. Occasionally it would be somewhat simpler, and then at other moments, one would feel apprehensive,” she clarified. “One truly needs to be focused and exceptionally astute regarding the subject matter provided. I grasp that more readily as an actress — or an acting type, whatever my role — simply by embodying one of the personalities.”

Keaton furthermore directed a pair of music videos for Belinda Carlisle’s hit tracks, “Heaven Is A Place on Earth” and “I Got Weak.” (The second track was Carlisle’s follow-up single to the immense popularity of the first, achieving the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1988.)

“I am heartbroken; she was such a gifted artist and played a significant role in my professional journey,” Carlisle, 44, expressed on Instagram Saturday, honoring Keaton. “She directed two of my videos – Heaven Is A Place on Earth and the video for I Get Weak. She was gracious and unique, and I felt fortunate to have known her. This is truly a profound loss. Rest in peace, Diane, you will be remembered.”

Keaton furthermore guided a young Reese Witherspoon in the 1991 television movie Wildflower. Witherspoon, now 49, portrayed Ellie, the sibling of William McNamara’s character Sammy Perkins and offspring of Patricia Arquette’s Alice.

Witherspoon recounted her audition experience with Keaton when addressing an audience on Saturday, soon after the announcement of Keaton’s passing.

“I’m getting emotional, but I’m unsure if you all heard that Diane Keaton passed away today,” Witherspoon started in a video posted on Instagram. “Diane held significant importance. She was among my earliest mentors in this profession. I was 15 years old, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, and unfamiliar with anyone; I arrived. It was perhaps only my second or third film audition ever.”

Witherspoon proceeded, “And I entered with this pronounced country accent, portraying this young Southern girl, and she inquired, ‘Who are you?’ I replied, ‘I’m Reese Witherspoon, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee.’ And she responded, ‘Are you fabricating that? That accent you’re using?’ And I affirmed, ‘No ma’am, I am indeed from Nashville, Tennessee. And I am here, and I would be thrilled to be in your film.’ And she stated, ‘Well, you’re employed for today, tomorrow, and the day after. I may not know who you are, but I am utterly delighted to have you.’”

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Witherspoon continued by characterizing the departed actress as “simply astonishing and unforgettable,” further remarking that she was “genuinely” an “individual like no other.”

“Therefore, in Diane’s honor, view one of her films and put on a truly stylish, distinctive ensemble, in black and white, capture a striking photograph, and simply pursue your aspirations, just be your one-of-a-kind, intriguing self,” she concluded. “I believe Diane would be genuinely pleased.”