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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.