Part 4/9:
Keaton’s roles reflect a certain American ethos—innocence, vulnerability, independence, and a quest for authenticity. Her characters often represent that idealistic, all-American girlhood that many aspire to or identify with. Her portrayal of such characters resonated deeply because they symbolized a version of America rooted in hope, freedom, and personal authenticity.
This connection is reinforced by her role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, where her character's interactions with Allen’s Jewish character reveal themes of assimilation and cultural identity. The humorous scene at the family dinner, where her character's Jewish roots are subtly acknowledged, underscores the desire to forge an American identity that encompasses cultural heritage without losing one's uniqueness.