The news of Diane Keaton’s death at 79 has left a profound ache in the hearts of film lovers everywhere. A day removed from this tragic news, I found myself revisiting one of her most beloved ensemble films, The First Wives Club (1996), and was reminded of just how funny, sharp, and moving it remains nearly three decades later.
At its core, The First Wives Club is a story about friendship, resilience, and reclaiming one’s sense of self after heartbreak. Diane Keaton, alongside Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, anchors the film with a chemistry that feels effortless and electric. Their camaraderie is the beating heart of the story, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in their journey from grief to empowerment.
The supporting cast is equally stellar—Maggie Smith, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marcia Gay Harden, Stockard Channing, and even a young Timothy Olyphant all add texture and humor to the world of the film. It’s a reminder of how rare it is to see a comedy so perfectly balanced between biting satire and genuine warmth.
And then there’s that ending. The musical number—Keaton, Hawn, and Midler belting out “You Don’t Own Me” as they dance down the street—remains as iconic as ever. It’s not just a triumphant finale; it’s a declaration of independence, solidarity, and joy. Watching it again, I couldn’t help but smile through tears, knowing how much it has meant to audiences over the years.
What struck me most, though, was Diane Keaton herself. She had a rare ability to throw her entire being into a role, whether it was a moment of neurotic comedy or a sudden burst of raw emotion. In The First Wives Club, her Annie is vulnerable, awkward, and deeply human—and Keaton never holds back. That lack of restraint, that willingness to be fully present and unguarded, was her gift. It’s what made her performances unforgettable, and it’s what will keep them alive for generations to come.
Revisiting The First Wives Club now feels like both a celebration and a farewell. It’s a reminder of how Diane Keaton could make us laugh, cry, and cheer all at once. And it’s proof that her legacy—like that final musical number—will never lose its power.
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