Admirers of the iconic actress Diane Keaton can enjoy one of her uplifting romantic comedies this evening on BBC Two.
The Hollywood veteran features alongside an exceptional ensemble of stars in 2018’s Book Club, which follows four long-standing friends whose 40-year monthly book club takes an unexpected turn after they delve into the steamy novel, Fifty Shades of Grey.
Keaton joins forces with Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen in the ‘cute and funny’ production, which also includes a cameo from Fifty Shades author E. L. James.
Rotten Tomatoes critics praised the film for its ‘killer cast’ that was ‘so funny’ and dubbed it the ‘best chick flick’, reports the Mirror.
One critic said: “So great to see these actors come together. A charming, funny movie with a lot that I could relate to.”
Another review added: “Funny movie. This was a stellar cast. I loved seeing them interact together. The protagonists are all Hollywood royalty, that’s what makes this movie special.”
Diane Keaton’s extensive filmography has been thrust back into the public eye following the announcement of her death on October 11.
She regularly worked with Woody Allen and featured in eight of his productions – most famously Annie Hall in 1977, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The acclaimed actress also featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic Godfather trilogy and numerous beloved romantic comedies such as Father of the Bride and its follow-up, The First Wives Club and The Family Stone.
Her most recent role came in Book Club: The Next Chapter, which hit cinemas in 2023.
Tributes poured in from Keaton’s Book Club castmates, who each released moving statements following her death.
Jane Fonda penned: “It’s hard to believe…or accept…that Diane has passed. She was always a spark of life and light, constantly giggling at her own foibles, being limitlessly creative… Unique is what she was. And though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress!”.
Candice Bergen hailed Keaton as a ‘true artist’ and praised her as ‘tremendously gifted and uniquely talented’. She continued: “I will miss her terribly.”
Mary Steenburgen said: “Diane was magic. There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her.” Fans wishing to celebrate Diane Keaton’s work can catch Book Club on BBC Two this evening (Fri) at 9pm.
