Woody Allen Pens Essay On Late Annie Hall Co-Star: Made Movies For An Audience Of One, Diane Keaton

In the 1970s, Woody Allen and Diane Keaton formed an iconic partnership with their films together. Beginning with Play It Again, Sam in 1972, the actors collaborated on Sleeper (1973), Love and Death (1975),

Annie Hall (1977), Interiors (1978), Manhattan (1979), and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). After Keaton's death on October 11, Allen has penned an essay to his one-time muse and romantic partner. Here's how he paid tribute to the Oscar-winning actress.

Woody Allen remembers Diane Keaton in poignant essay

Writing an essay for The Free Press, Allen began by saying, "Unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again, her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered." The filmmaker recalled their first meeting after Keaton auditioned for his 1969 play Play It Again, Sam. She went to play the same part in the film adaptation. Allen said about his first impression of her, "If Huckleberry Finn was a gorgeous young woman, he’d be Keaton."Working on the play together, the actors had a few ups and downs. He wrote, "She was shy, I was shy, and with two shy people things can get pretty dull. She was so charming, so beautiful, so magical, that I questioned my sanity. I thought: Could I be in love so quickly?”As they became co-stars on eight projects, they also became romantically involved. "This beautiful yokel went on to become an award-winning actress and sophisticated fashion icon. We had a few great personal years together and finally we both moved on, and why we parted only God and Freud might be able to figure out," he added.ALSO READ: Francis Ford Coppola Pays Tribute To The Godfather Star Diane Keaton, Reveals She Based Character On Wife Ellie - See Post Allen shared that he wanted Keaton's opinion over anyone else's. He stated, "As time went on I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton. I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it." He called her aesthetic judgment unwavering and shared she would even criticise William Shakespeare if he was wrong.The controversial Allen was involved in a bitter custody battle with ex-partner Mia Farrow, who accused him of behaving inappropriately with their daughter Dylan Farrow. Later, Allen married Soon-Yi Previn, Farrow's adopted daughter. Keaton had always defended Allen in the media. Allen ended his tribute to his late friend and collaborator by sharing, "A few days ago the world was a place that included Diane Keaton. Now it’s a world that does not. Hence, it’s a drearier world. Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.”