Life Itself
On the set of "Life Itself" starring . . .
Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman, neither of whom looked to be getting on that well at all . . . but then the film is about a long-time married couple who decide to cash in on the rising value of the NY apartment they bought back in the day when no-one wanted to live in New York. I often fantasise about working on a film set - doing what I have no idea but they always seem to have a certain measure of calm about them with so many people standing around giving the appearance of doing not that much at all. I could do that! The most stressed persons on the set are the ones on street corners charged with keeping the crowds at bay just before the cameras are due to roll, like squatting at mosquitos in the jungle! They work hard, and here I am guessing, for not much. So another day of random events in New York City where you turn a corner and run into Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman or as the non-English tourist kept asking . . . "Who?" I wanted to say "Annie Hall!" but why over-egg that pudding!
wow, great encounter! love both of them.
maybe you should have just mingled in.
great sign in the back: what is going on here?
They simply eased into the flow of the crowd! A number of times!
Wow, that’s really amazing!! Both of them are really great actors. I had to laugh so much about your words – I could do that! (standing around) I thought exactly the same so many times!!!
Thank you for sharing this moments behind the scenes, Patti.
Anette, we could start a production company! Let’s pitch a deal!
(It’s the thought that counts . . . )
great shots and great graphics in the background ‘annie who!!!’ just might be the next response 🙂
Thank you Veronica! It was such a treat to get so close without getting elbowed out of the way. I am also using a 50mm lens (no zoom!) which means I have to step back at times but it’s all good fun! And yes, I could so hear the “annie who?” coming next!
Love Diane Keaton, and Morgan Freeman. What fun to run into the filming and do your own filming. I’ll stay tuned for whenever this hits theaters.
And when did someone not want to live in New York, anyway?
Angeline, do you have a favourite DK film? As for Morgan Freeman, well, what can I say?
NY real estate is such a touchy topic so it should make for some interesting drama. Whether or not this does, who knows? Cynthia Nixon plays the part of their realtor as they decide to maybe cash out of the long time home and downsize but still stay in NY . . . .
Love all of them with Woody Allen. The most recent one I watched is Manhattan Murder Mystery that I really liked. Something’s Gotta Give was great…those scenes where she’s crying and typing make me laugh just to think about.
Enjoy them both, but she is one of my all time faves. Did you read her book, “Then Again”? Terrific. Margie
Margie, thank you so much for the reminder about her book and that amazing mother of hers! It’s on the list!
Uhmmmmm …………. you are a paparazzi !!!!!!!
Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton ……… nice
Great shots Patti
I love the bokeh in the first photo and of course the colors in all of them.
Good job
🙂
No HG, not a papaazzi – just a simple pattirazzi! And thank you so much for your kind words and company!
(The women to right, wearing the glasses, in the first shot is the one of the producers – Tracy Mercer.)
Life Itself, starring you Patti!
These are great shots and the captures with the sign “what’s going on here?” are wonderful. You got very close. Have a great weekend.
Starring me??? Perhaps that might explain why they had to do it again. And again . . .
That “what’s going on here?” is the key question to anything and everything in this city! Thank you so much dear Lignum and best week-end wishes to you!
Patti thank you for recreating the ambience of movie making in NY. We saw so many made while we were there with a lot of the top actors of the 80’s and 90’s. When we were living at Long Island City my wife open our front door one morning and ran directly into Hugh Grant and a few steps later…..Sandra Bullock who was very friendly. The movie……Two Weeks Notice. Our Van is included in the filming there.
Annie Hall……..a real favorite!
Wow, fancy opening the front door and having Hugh Grant on the other side! And how good to have so many wonderful memories to look back on whenever you watch these films!
I haven’t seen Annie Hall for years but I recently saw Manhattan and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, as in “why am I crying?” surprised!
I like DK’s cardi! Want!
Fun times – I’m glad you got to be a part of it. What was the actual location?
Gaynor, I shall see what I can do about the cardigan! As for the location, I forgot to mention . . .. . it was outside the Flatiron Building on Fifth Ave b/w 22nd and 23rd Sts. It was such fun – I met some extras, more about later, but talk about job satisfaction!
Good for you! Have you ever run into one of your ‘randoms’ again? You know, the regular people (not stars) who have taken pride of place in some of your excellent photos previously? Thanks for following up the cardi for me. DK won’t mind (although she looks like she just might….)
Yes, I do occasionally run into people again which is not that strange if you go somewhere regularly enough but I am always surprised (why I don’t know but there we go!) when I run into someone in another part of town.
On cardigan watch!
This post shows why I’m so attracted to NYC. There’s ALWAYS something fascinating going on there.
Who’s the shutterbug with the Canon EOS?
Live here long enough Allan and you begin to think that this is what happens everywhere . . . .
As for the shutterbug, I didn’t get his name but I think he was part of the set. Obviously this was a quiet moment!
Jealous! Just love Diane Keaton – and you know, how great it is to see her here looking like a REAL woman, without the awful airbrushing and fakery!
Yes indeed, it is so good to see women of a certain age owning it! I saw Julia Louis Dreyfuss in “Enough Said” and it was as though she wasn’t wearing a scrap of make-up at all. The lines ran across her forehead like runaway train tracks etc, her hair was long and fuzzy etc etc and I don’t want to say but, but, she was brilliant. And so REAL as you say! Is this a new trend, dare we hope?
I saw the preview for Enough Said the other day. Looks good, although it was disconcerting to see James Gandolfini – it will be a bittersweet movie to watch.
Frame #6 from the top is killer with that juxtaposition. Met Ms Keaton about 35 years ago when she was still with Woody and we were both browsing through the photo books section at the old MOMA bookstore. Nice to see that she has aged well and IMHO she is till very hot :>)
Pat, that sounds like a scene from one of Woody Allen’s films! Did you talk to her at all, or was it polite nods of recognition but I will leave you alone?
So pleased you enjoy #6! That was going to be #1 but then time moved from all the time in the world to no time at all so I simply left it in the sequence in which it was shot. The drama of blogging! 🙂
no words – just polite smiles :>)
How cool is that? Love DK and your pictures! Until I read the other comments here, I could have sworn you’d got yourself invited on set. If you do start a production company please consider me for your UK unit 🙂
Richard, this is so exciting! Let’s talk! I mean, what next I have no idea but . . .. how good to know the production company has grown this much already! You’re in!
Ace! Thanks, Patti! It’s transatlantic!
Fantastic! Anyone know what to do next???
Random events in your neck of the woods (corner of the world, choose one) are incredibly dramatic compared to most places! Nice. You experience and capture life itself.
Ruth, your comment reminded me of the number of times “Law and Order” turned up in the neighbourhood to shoot some grizzly, dramatic scene! So many times I have come across film sets where they are shooting commercials for McDonalds or whatever so the randomness of this was even more of a surprise. Lovely to hear from you Ruth, thank you so much!
Patti, you would make a fabulous cinematographer! Your work brings heart, intimacy and life’s vitality to the most average of scenes. I’m most content with your stills for now however;)
But Elena, the only thing I know about cinematography is how to spell it! I am incredibly touched by your very kind words, thank you so much!
hi Patti,
I like your
“Shooting each other” …
greetings by
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/the-leica-man/
The masks we wear!
but Diane Keaton
is staring directly
into your face
without any mask
– bold, isn’t it?
Yes Frizz, Diane Keaton is staring straight at me but I am the one with the mask as is the photographer in #2, “Shooting Each Other.” We both put the cameras to our faces when we realised we were going to take each other’s photo, with big smiles after the event!
An encounter bigger than life itself… Nice images, Patti, must have been fun to be able to shoot a bit of the set, and make life itself a little harder for those who are in charge of keeping the crowds away…
Thank you Otto, it was fun but I promise you, as a good Catholic girl, I do as I am told and stay out of the way, preferably being told!
They’re both my favorite actors. What a treat to have come across the filming.
Seeing Diane Keaton with her beret and scarf made me feel a bit of melancholy.
I used to wear berets all the time. Not as much here … maybe twice a year. I do wear
scarfs and shawls as I am – Isadora. ( you know Isadora Duncan and her scarves).
Great pix’s and post ….
Of course, Isadora and her scarves, I can see how they and the berets would suit you! As for DK, she has rather made the look her signature style hasn’t she? Which she swaps in the summer for a big floppy straw hat. Enjoy your two cool days in the year down there Isadora!
How about behind the camera?
Next career around — and with your rapport with people!
(Annie Hall for me was W.A.’s high point and it was downhill from then.
I’ll never forget the MAJOR SPIDER. And the lobsters!)
As you say Judith, next career around – along with everything else on the list! What’s on your list??
Only order I have in so far is — next life, I’m going to be six feet tall!
(and I’ll major in French in college instead of economics, and and and)
wow that is something cool 🙂 lucky to shoot them 🙂
Thank you Joshi, not sure they feel the same way . . . .
What a lovely thing to give us a sneak a peek Patti! You don’t often drop the big names. All your subjects are special, but there is something exciting about film-making (and NYC). I love your glimpses. So fresh. Philippa
Thank you so much Phiippa! With so many films set in NYC I am always surprised at how well the film crews slide in and out of the streets, unless of course it happens to be your street! Madonna shot part of her recent turkey nearby and there was no way anyone was going to get anywhere near her what with all the big beefy bodyguards etc surrounding her.
Great shots, especially the one with Morgan and the What’s going on? sign. A classic question any time there’s filming in NY. 🙂 I occasionally stumbled across filming on my way to and from my office. When I was in a hurry, I’d rush through and figure they should have done a better job of blocking the street if they didn’t want me ruining a shot. 😉 It’s also when I realized how short most actors are.
It is such a classical question isn’t it! Who knows Alison, perhaps you are the mysterious blonde rushing through those NYC street scenes. As for short actors, who knew Morgan Freeman was so tall!
Psst! Psst. Ms. K! That TOTALLY looks like Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton! How cool is that?!?! Wow! I’ve only seen one movie-set in person. It was for ‘Up in the Air’, and no one was around at the time… at all… but it was only a few blocks away from me, and I did get to see some real-life fake Hollywood snow… so… that happened. But, seriously… Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton!!!
🙂
P.S. I’m going to be doing my ‘Morgan Freeman Voice’ all day now.
Which sounds nothing at all like Morgan Freeman, by the way.
🙂
So no George Clooney sightings for you? 😦
As for Morgan Freeman and that voice of his, oh my daze . . . talk to me SiG!
Not even a stand-in!
Hahaha… I’m telling you… that guy could read a phone book and make it sound good!
🙂
That would have been something. The strange thing even moviestars sometimes looks like ordinary people.
I know, crazy isn’t it! 🙂
What a great encounter!
One of those random surprises which comes with life itself in NYC!
I wouldn’t be able to live in NYC. There’s to many people. Although it seems exciting.
ciao! there is no city like ny…glad you seized the moment and shared. next time do say what you feel…
thebestdressup
My pleasure to seize and share. Ciao and thanks to you!
Wonderful images Patti and great words that have left me with a rye smile. Thank you
Raising a rye on the rocks and cheers to you James! Do hope you are enjoying a pleasant week-end!
What fun you are having in the BIg Apple! It’s always a treat to view your posts, Patti! Love the dueling photographers photo!
And always a treat to share the fun with you, thank you Annie!
Nice shots Patti – What’s Going on Here, indeed! I miss the NY serendipity of walking into a film shoot. God, Dianne Keaton just NEVER changes her style, does she? Years-years-years ago a friend got me a day’s work as an extra (before SAG cards were checked carefully) on a film with Beau Bridges, a scene in a bar. For some reason the director picked me out to be the chick at the bar whose cigarette Beau lit. So much fun…but I landed on the cutting room floor, and that was that. I enjoy you work as always!
What a thrill to be there in the first place with Beau Bridges lighting the flame even if it did end up on the cutting room floor . . .. what a wonderful memory! I was excited to read your comment about Diane Keaton’s never changing style. She certainly has taken a little of the “quirky individual” a long way (with the exception of her role as Kay in The Godfather, and maybe others but that’s the only one coming to my small mind). Do you think she has it written in the contract?
You just transported small town Idaho to the streets of NYC with Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman, of all things! Two of my very favorite actors. I could definitely do that! The only film star around here is clowning in the tall grass . . . the circus dog, Lulu. Your photos are always a treat!
Your Lulu is such a natural in front of the camera! Not to mention those big beautiful Idaho spaces of yours and how wonderful that we get to share and enjoy the differences!
Great captured, Stunning images I love the title of the movie 🙂
Yes, the title is so simple isn’t it! Lovely to hear from you Jake, thank you!
Hey! Great shots. Was that guy taking a picture of you? What was he up to?
If this is what you have in store, then I can’t wait to check out more of your blog.
Way to have your camera with you for this shoot. I would bump into Morgan Freeman on the one day that I didn’t bring along my camera.
Great stuff. Glad you found me. Let’s keep in touch.
Hello Dinkerson and thank you so much!
Yes, that was a photographer taking a picture of me but I was also taking a picture of him – it was a very quiet time with not much happening. Strange isn’t it how much more comfortable some of us are behind the camera than we will ever be in front of it. This shot was taken in good fun!
So pleased you popped by and I definitely look forward to enjoying more of your wonderfully atmospheric shots!
Your pictures make me feel like I was there too.
Welcome to the city John!
Wow! Quite a post and you really got some good shots in, didn’t you? Both are great actors and so I am curious about how the plot unravels in the movie. I am also curious about something else you have written. What is it about standing around and doing nothing that fascinates you?
Shakti
Shakti
Thank you so much Shakti! As for the standing around and doing nothing – it’s what I do best!! Which is not to dismiss the hard work behind the scenes etc!
It’s not everyday you end up in situations like these.
More’s the pity!
Oh you lucky girl!!! I adore them both. Couldn’t you have gotten into the frame somehow? Then we could boast about how we know one of the ‘stars’ 😀 Fabulous as always Patti.
That would be funny – I would die of shock to see myself in a final frame! At least we can say we have seen some previews, however brief!
Amazing, thrilling photos Patti 🙂 It is very exciting to see them both in the set. How close could you get?
Thank you Paula, it was exciting! I was as close enough to almost get in the way but with enough room to get out of the way plus I wasn’t shooting with a zoom lens but with a 50mm – which I am not that happy with if only because it forces me to go further back than I would like, because I don’t have a full-frame camera etc etc . . . !
Great shot, great city, great people! I just said to my wife we should spend a few days In NY soon or later,possibly soon!
robert
Robert, I do hope you and your wife get to enjoy more than a few days here in NYC soon!
Wow, Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman. How great is that? Must have been exciting. Photographer of stars, what’s next Patti? 🙂
It was a most serendipitous occasion Beth so I suppose I shall now have to wait patiently for the next one to pop up who knows where and when! Lovely to hear from you, thank you Beth!
Morgan Freeman = Great Actor 🙂 Not quite so much a fan of Diane Keaton though that’s probably related to which movies she’s been in rather than a reflection of her talent. Another great range of shots – love the one-on-one with the 5D 🙂 It wasn’t me guv; honest – never been known to wear a suit whilst taking photos!
I must compliment you on maintaining a cool head and a steady hand while staring DK smack in the face! I would have been so excited, I’d never have gotten a focus on either of them! What an exciting encounter and the photographs are wonderful! 🙂 You’re something else, Patti!