Imagine the shock of discovering that in the very same year Diane Keaton stole the spotlight with the hilarious and empowering antics of 'The First Wives Club,' she also poured her heart into a deeply moving drama that earned her an Academy Award nomination—yet it's flown under the radar for so many fans. This forgotten gem, 'Marvin's Room,' might just redefine how we remember her career, especially now that she's passed away. But here's where it gets intriguing: while 'The First Wives Club' raked in the laughs and the cash, becoming one of her biggest North American hits after adjusting for inflation (and even surpassing her supporting roles in the first two 'Godfather' films overall), this other 1996 release barely made a dent at the box office. In fact, it pulled in about as much as her later film 'Love the Coopers' when inflation is factored in. What makes it stand out, though, is that it snagged Keaton a Best Actress Oscar nod, placing her in rare company alongside legends like Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep as actresses nominated across four consecutive decades. This was Keaton's nod for the '90s, and curiously, it's probably the least viewed of her four nominations—the others being her iconic roles in 'Annie Hall,' 'Reds,' and 'Something's Gotta Give.' And get this: it features the incomparable Meryl Streep as her co-star, creating a powerhouse duo that's hard to ignore.
'Marvin's Room' boasts an impressive lineup, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, alongside that now-infamous Harvey Weinstein production credit from the late '90s. With its modest box office returns despite such talent, it almost screams 'Oscar bait gone wrong'—you know, those films packed with stars and prestige that aim for awards but sometimes miss the broader audience. Adapted from Scott McPherson's own play and directed by stage veteran Jerry Zaks in one of his rare movie outings, you might expect it to feel stiff or overly theatrical. But it actually shines as a small-scale, heartfelt story, showcasing what many consider Keaton's strongest dramatic work of the decade—and maybe even her best overall from the '90s, edging out her charming performance in 'Manhattan Murder Mystery.' And this is the part most people miss: the film's quiet strength lies in its exploration of family dynamics and sacrifice, which feels even more poignant today.
Fast-forward to the next decade, and Keaton and Streep revived their careers with a string of comedies centered on mature women, often helmed by director Nancy Meyers. Some might even argue that Streep drew comedic inspiration from Keaton's unique style—a testament to how Keaton, despite being utterly original, quietly influenced her fellow actresses and those who followed. In 'Marvin's Room,' the two play estranged sisters forced back together when Bessie (Keaton) learns she has leukemia. Lee (Streep) brings her two sons—troubled 17-year-old Hank (DiCaprio), who's just been released from a mental institution, and young Charlie (Hal Scardino)—to aid Bessie and test the boys for a potential bone marrow transplant that could boost her cancer treatment. The narrative gently unfolds around the family's struggle to reconnect, with Bessie having devoted the last 20 years to caring for their ailing father, Marvin (Hume Cronyn), and their aunt Ruth (Gwen Verdon), who, though not bedridden, is still quite elderly. At its core, the story questions whether Lee will step up to take on those caregiving duties if needed. De Niro appears as Bessie's doctor, offering a warm yet sometimes enigmatic bedside presence.
The film is laced with fascinating connections: Keaton and Streep both starred in Woody Allen's 'Manhattan,' while Streep and De Niro shared the screen in 'The Deer Hunter' and 'Falling in Love.' Later, Keaton and De Niro reunited in the forgettable 'The Big Wedding' (though they were together in 'Godfather II,' they didn't share scenes). De Niro and DiCaprio had paired up in 'This Boy's Life' years before and 'Killers of the Flower Moon' decades after. Yet, this particular ensemble feels fresh, giving Keaton the chance to act alongside both Streep and DiCaprio in a way that highlights their chemistry. In one standout moment, Bessie gently coaxes honesty out of Hank, nurturing him with humor and affection until she firmly shuts down his wild fabrications. Meanwhile, Streep and Keaton deliver captivating performances as contrasting sisters—one dedicated to caregiving by choice, the other grappling with it as an unexpected burden.
Now, here's where it gets controversial: Streep often seems to get Oscar buzz just for her mere presence, but in this film, she's truly earning it with nuanced work. So why did Keaton walk away with the nomination instead? Could it be the Academy's preference for the more empathetic roles? Bessie embodies a saintly endurance, having selflessly cared for her elderly relatives for years. But it's not just her character's goodness; in the film's emotional peak, she confides in her sister about feeling blessed by the love in her life—a line that could come off as overly sentimental, yet Keaton infuses it with raw vulnerability, making it resonate deeply. This timing feels telling too, as it coincided with Keaton adopting her first child, adding layers of real-life complexity to the story that echo beyond the screen, unlike her lighter roles in films like 'Father of the Bride.' And this is the part most people miss: in an era when Keaton later embodied empowered, stylish women in her 21st-century films—think those signature white turtlenecks—'Marvin's Room' poignantly portrays a character denied that luxury, trapped by time and circumstance in a less glamorous life.
Sure, feel-good revenge tales like 'The First Wives Club' have their undeniable charm, and Keaton's impact on romantic comedies is enormous. But revisiting 'Marvin's Room,' especially after her passing, might touch your heart in ways you didn't expect. Do you think the Academy overlooked Streep here, or was Keaton's nomination a fair call? Is caregiving a noble sacrifice or an overlooked burden in society? What underrated films from your favorite stars deserve a second look? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your takes and spark a conversation!
Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is a Brooklyn-based writer who contributes regularly to outlets like The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week. He also hosts podcasts at sportsalcohol.com.
