Felicity Jones Reveals the Timeless Film She Cherishes Most

Felicity Jones has been making headlines recently, not least due to the release of Train Dreams on Netflix. The period drama, set deep in the American wilderness over a century ago, features Joel Edgerton as a railway worker and Jones as his wife, Gladys Granier. The film, adapted from Denis Johnson’s Pulitzer-nominated novella, has already sparked talk of awards, with Jones’s performance drawing particular praise. It’s hardly her first brush with Oscar attention, having previously been nominated for her roles in The Theory of Everything and The Brutalist.

Yet, when asked to name the film she holds dearest, Jones points to a much earlier work: Woody Allen’s 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall. The film, which starred Diane Keaton, swept the Oscars and left a lasting mark on cinema. Speaking to Red, Jones explained,

“I love Annie Hall; I will always come back to that film again and again. Diane Keaton has been such an inspiration to me. She always brings humour, but complexity, and I love watching her on screen. She’s got real charisma.”

Behind the Scenes of a Classic

Annie Hall’s journey to the screen was far from straightforward. Initially conceived as a murder mystery comedy under the title ‘Anhedonia’—a term describing the inability to experience pleasure—the project shifted focus during development. The creative team soon realised the romantic storyline was its strongest element, prompting them to drop the murder plot and centre the narrative on the relationship at its heart.

The character of Annie was loosely modelled on Diane Keaton herself, whose real surname is Hall. Much of her distinctive personality, including her quirky speech and mannerisms, was woven into the script, inspired by Allen’s observations of Keaton on previous collaborations. The result was a character and performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Influence and Innovation

The film broke new ground in several respects. Allen’s use of direct address to the audience—breaking the fourth wall—was relatively novel in American comedy at the time. Keaton’s wardrobe, featuring oversized trousers, ties, and hats, quickly became a fashion trend, with her menswear-inspired style appearing on city streets across the United States.

Much of the film’s witty dialogue was improvised on set, a testament to the chemistry between Keaton and Allen, who had been in a relationship for years prior to filming. The cast also included a young Christopher Walken, who played Annie’s intense brother Dwayne, memorable for his darkly comic fantasies.

Legacy and New Projects

Annie Hall’s impact was cemented when it won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress at the Oscars, in a year many expected to be dominated by Star Wars. The film’s blend of humour, romance, and innovation has ensured its place in cinematic history.

As for Jones, she continues to take on diverse roles. She will soon appear in a festive comedy for Prime Video, Oh. What. Fun., alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, Jason Schwartzman, and Denis Leary. The story follows a mother who decides to leave her family at Christmas, with predictably chaotic results. Jones’s admiration for Annie Hall and Diane Keaton remains a guiding influence in her own varied and acclaimed career.