Lightyear Entertainment has remastered Diane Keaton’s directorial debut film Heaven. In 1987, she interviewed a variety of people with differing religious beliefs, asking questions such as “Are you afraid to die?” “What happens in heaven?” and “Is there sex in heaven?” This was mixed with clips from several films, including Stairway to Heaven (1946), Metropolis (1926), Green Pastures (1936), A Guy Named Joe (1943), The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945), and The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928).
When the film was released, it received mixed reviews, including Roger Ebert’s in the Chicago Sun-Times. He wrote, “I am glad I saw. Some of the old film clips, for example, of angels being issued their wings. A debate between a believer and an atheist. And the utter certainty of some of the subjects, who know for sure what cannot by definition, be known at all.” Additionally, his opinion was the “… movie that is not quite realized. The weakness, I think, is in Keaton’s excessive attention to visual detail.”
Keaton had a clear vision, and it is very reflective of when this was made. With most of the interviews taking place in white rooms, some with windows showing scenes from movies, while others lit with red light and shadows, as if blinds were hung in front of the light source. This switch between High-key and Low-key was very avant-garde and supports this being more art house than mainstream. Later in 1987, Keaton directed the music video for “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” (Belinda Carlisle), and in my opinion, this was a more refined version of her vision.
I am also glad that I watched the piece. I have found myself thinking about how I would answer the questions and about some of the answers given. Interviewees covered a broad spectrum of beliefs, from the holier-than-thou misogynistic to atheistic defending not needing to prove what they do not believe exists, does not exist. People in the middle of the scale had some sweet and humorous responses, such as Jesus in jeans and a T-shirt, and ones about how much they love their partner.
Watching it in 2025 also had a bit of a time capsule effect for me. The way the set and lighting were done, the music choices, the hair, makeup, and wardrobe. This led to memories of my life in 1987, and it was a lovely walk down memory lane.
Director: Diane Keaton
Cast: Michael Agbabian, James Allport, Lazaro Arvizu
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 1h 18m
Original Release Date: April 17, 1987
Link to hi-def rental November 14 – December 31, 2025: HEAVEN hi-def rental
Genre(s): Documentary
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.