He'd get so upset when he'd see Keaton do those movies, ... He'd ask, 'Why is he doing that?'
I always loved Batman, the Michael Keaton 'Batman.' I loved those films, and Superman, but I was never a real comic book geek.
Julianne Moore and Michael Keaton began in 1980s soap operas and 1970s sitcoms, respectively, such ancient history by show business standards that you need carbon dating to measure their careers.
I did a film in which Andy Garcia and Michael Keaton both played the leads, 'Desperate Measures,' and interestingly enough it was their biggest payday. The film didn't do well, and it kind of marked their careers. They've done less since. It all changed.
I read every book about Buster Keaton and Chaplin to see how they worked - it's all about dedication, tunnel vision, pursuit of perfection, getting the gag right.
All of my favorite actresses are comedians at heart: Shirley MacLaine and Madeline Kahn, Diane Keaton and Debra Winger. And they are all amazing dramatic actresses, but everything they do is funny.
And then when the song was over I didn't say 'cut.' I thought it would be rude, 'It's Buster Keaton -- this guy knows exactly what size he is in the frame.' That's the filmmaker in Neil.
Everyone seems to have this awareness of Charlie Chaplin because he was a really good businessman while Buster Keaton wasn't.
I think Beckett was influenced by those clowns, Buster Keaton, Abbott and Costello ... by that sort of physical comedy. I don't think it was an accident that they had Buster Keaton in his film.
Diane Keaton is good for women in and of herself. She's smart and funny and real.