One of Diane Keaton’s new favorite hobbies is walking by herself, taking pictures of abandoned storefronts.
“You can see the sadness, but you can also see the effort they put in when they were selling what they were selling,” he said in a phone interview from his home in Los Angeles. “One place will look like one thing, and another, you can tell there were clothes or some kind of fashion with it. That’s interesting to me.”
Keaton’s isolation is broken through acting, which creates opportunities for him to make friends and meet new people, including in his latest film, “Book Club: The Next Chapter.”
Out Friday, it is a sequel to the 2018 film “Book Club” and reunites Keaton and his friends, played by Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steinberg. This time he’s coming out of quarantine to tour Italy, and the film is based on “The Alchemist,” about a young shepherd and his “personal legend” in search of Paulo Coelho’s treasure. is a best-selling novel.
“The movie is fine,” Keaton said. “I did what I could, you know, sort of.”
The 77-year-old Oscar-winning actress talked about Goodwill fashion, Miley Cyrus and tortillas. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.
1
Visual books
I have a whole room full of visual books. They engage in a way that motivates me. Someone recently sent me this amazing book. Photos by Lee Friedlander, “Lee Friedlander Produced by Joel Coen.” It takes me back to what the world looks like — our world, our country, our cities and people’s homes.
2
Fashion
My interest in fashion goes back to my mother. When I was in junior college, or even younger, and I was consumed by what people wore, there were other girls who had more money, and were able to wear clothes that I could wear. He was jealous. My mom and I would go to Goodwill and we’d buy old clothes – an old skirt, a blouse – and she’d make it a better version of it.
3
Between
My father loved the sea. He would constantly bring us together to explore all sorts of places that are by the sea. For about a year now, I’ve been trying to buy a beach house. It’s not like it’s a grand beach house, but everybody’s holding onto their houses. If you go to Laguna Beach, which I love, you can’t buy anything.
4
Family
I had this dinner last night with my kids, and we were all together, and my daughter’s husband was there. It’s just amazing that I got this opportunity. Even as a young adult, I really needed my mom and my dad. When I had trouble, they were there, both of them. I loved them. He was a very active part of my life.
5
Miley Cyrus and Ash
These are two really interesting young women who are taking over the music, who I have been lucky enough to encounter and get to know a little bit. I love both of these young ladies because they are both unique.
6
My golden retriever
I have a golden retriever named Reggie. Someone gave it to me as a gift. Reggie has been a bad girl today. I’m so glad I have enough space in the backyard for him to destroy all the plants. Okay, Reg? I love this dog. There are things that just take your heart and your breath away.
7
Tortillas
I love tortillas. I buy tortillas. Just tortillas. I shove a bunch of stuff in it and I eat it and love it. I love tortillas.
8
Hilarious
I feel more comfortable in comedy than drama. I like the messiness of it and that it can sort of spread out on you and then you’re free to play around.
9
Movie theaters, cinema halls
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the theater, but I love going to the movie theater, and it’s been really interesting the way it’s completely fallen apart, but now it’s coming back very slowly. I liked it. I’m glad it’s coming back.
10
My collage wall
I have a huge wall of pictures that I cut out of magazines or that I keep. Right now I’m looking at a picture I took out of a Buster Keaton magazine. it’s awesome. What a beautiful face. There’s a truck with a huge sign that these guys are trying to grab, saying in big letters, “Damaged.” get in shape.
