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The Ruination of Keira Knightley (for Me) [Dear Thursday]
The first time I ever saw Keira Knightley was in a clever little English gem called BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, in which an Indian girl defies her parents to play soccer (for reasons this American still can’t quite comprehend). I did not mind Knightley at all, and I’ve enjoyed her in several films since, including PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN; LOVE, ACTUALLY; and even the PRIDE & PREJUDICE remake — though I know that’s a controversial opinion to hold.
I didn’t really love PiRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2, but was all set to like PotC 3 well enough until I mentioned to a friend that I was going to see it and she said, “Oh, I can’t stand Keira Knightley. She’s a mouth breather. Every time I see her on screen, I’m like ‘close your mouth!”
Now I had never noticed this particular quirk of Knightley’s before, but lo and behold, I spent the entirety of the movie, fascinated by Keira Knightley almost-always slightly open mouth.
Thus I went from huge fan to not being able to watch Keira Knightley on film. ATONEMENT got a shout-out in my debut novel, but I haven’t actually seen it. I will probably read the book it was based on before I ever see it. Speaking of which, I adored Kazuo Ishiguro’s NEVER LET ME GO, but I’ve yet to see the movie version starring none other than Keira Knightley.
So it is with great relief that I find myself excited to see a Keira Knightley-free PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 this coming weekend. Have you ever started out liking an actor, only to have her or him ruined? If so, sound off in the comments.
that may have been me who said that to you about kiera, if it was a couple years ago. i noticed the mouth habit in the first Pirates, but it didn’t irk me until I saw her in The Jacket (that fairly decent thriller/mystery with adrien brody). it was so annoying, i was squirming in the theater. not only was it open the entire film, but she kept putting stuff against her lips as if to draw attention to her open mouth — in particular, i remember her gumming a glass of water for what seemed like a good 15 minutes, all while delivering her lines. ugh. after that, i told everyone how i hated her and her mouth. HOWEVER, i was able to forgive her in Atonement, which i loved. somehow her mouth stayed shut more than usual, or maybe that amazing green dress distracted me.
Yes, it was you! But I didn’t want to call you out, just in case you had a project pending with Kiera Knightley or something. You seriously never know. Thank you for this comment. I now feel like it might be safe to watch NEVER LET ME GO.
Atonement was really good. But yes she is a mouth breather and I’m sure any future movies of hers will be ruined for me. Gee thanks. :)
Hmmm…..The version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira in it is the only one I’ll ever watch. Loved it!