Keira Knightleyexplained why she has always enjoyed acting in period piece movies. Knightley became one of the most popular actors in the world after starring in thePirates of the Caribbeanfilms. However, she did not partake in any major franchises after playing a pirate for many years. Instead, Knightley has preferred to star in one-off films, and has specifically shown a special interest in period piece projects. Knightley has starred in popular period piece movies such asPride & Prejudice,Atonement, andThe Imitation Game.
In an interview with theLos Angeles Times, Knightley revealed why she has starred in so many period piece movies. She left school at 16 years old to pursue a career in Hollywood, soKnightley claimed that starring in period pieces has always been a way for her to learn more about history. Starring in period pieces also requires an actor to wear drastically different clothing, so Knightley also revealed what her favorite time period is, in terms of the outfits she must wear. Read her full comments below:
I’ve always been fascinated with history. Having left school at 16, it’s a way that I can educate myself about that time period. I love doing the research. You learn the rules of the time period, and then you can break them. What the breaking of those rules says, I find really interesting.
I wouldn’t do well in the ‘60s — those micro-minis. I don’t have the legs for it. But I look good in a ‘40s dress. Your Marie Antoinette [era], the 1700s — I don’t have a bust so the heaving bosom is not going to be my vibe. What I love about doing costume dramas is that building the costumes becomes part of creating the character. When we were doing “Pride and Prejudice,” all of Elizabeth’s socks had to be striped. I can’t remember why, but the character didn’t make sense without this particular stripe. Everything has a meaning to it. I enjoy the process of building a character through clothes in a way that you just can’t in a modern-day piece.
Period Pieces Have Been Very Important For Keira Knightley’s Career
Keira Knightley Has Starred in Various Period Piece Movies
The most popular role of Keira Knightley’s career is without a doubt Elizabeth Swann in thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies. First introduced in 2003’sPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Elizabeth Swann was the daughter of a British Governor who ended up becoming a rebellious pirate. Technically,thePirates of the Caribbeanfilms count as period piece movies for Knightley, since they are set during the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century.
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Atonement (2007)
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Beyond thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise, Knightley has starred in several other period piece movies. 2005’sPride & Prejudiceis one ofKnightley’s best period piece movies, as it is based on the classic Jane Austen novel of the same name and set during the late 18th century.Knightley was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards for her role in 2014’sThe Imitation Game, which is set during World War II. A more recent period piece film in Knightley’s career is 2018’sColette, which takes place at the end of the 19th century.
Our Take On Keira Knightley’s Period Piece Movies
Keira Knightley Has Always Thrived In Period Piece Movies
In addition to the period piece films already mentioned, Knightley has also starred in movies likeThe Duchess,A Dangerous Method, andAnna Karenina. No matter what century a period piece film is set in, Knightley has always perfectly fit into the world of the story. Therefore, it is great that she enjoys starring in period piece films. While her most recent role is in theNetflix spy thriller seriesBlack Doves, hopefullyKeira Knightleycan continue appearing in period piece movies going forward in her career.
