Keira Knightley, renowned for her powerful performances in period dramas that often include intimate scenes, is challenging the male gaze and the objectification of women's bodies on screen.
In a Chanel Connects podcast, Knightley shared that she now includes a no-N- clause in her contracts, particularly after becoming a mother. She expressed discomfort with being stared at by predominantly male crews while filming scenes that cater to their fantasies.
Knightley emphasized her discomfort in portraying the male gaze and expressed a preference for working with female directors who share her perspective. She stated, "If I was making a story that was about that journey of motherhood and body acceptance, I feel like, I'm sorry, but that would have to be with a female filmmaker. I don't have an absolute ban, but I kind of do with men."
The actress revealed her aversion to participating in "horrible scenes where you're all greased up and everybody is grunting." She mentioned that she occasionally sees the merit of a scene in a film and recognizes its narrative significance, but in those cases, she prefers to use a body double.
However, Knightley has been increasingly vocal about her discomfort with the objectification of women's bodies on screen. In 2018, she expressed a preference for period films, highlighting that they offer rare opportunities to portray women who are not confined to supporting roles in men's stories or subjected to S- violence.
Knightley's latest film, Misbehavior, directed by Phillipa Lowthorpe, explores the women's liberation movement and their protest at the 1970 Miss World pageant in London. In the film, Knightley portrays Sally Alexander, an activist who takes a stand against the objectification of women, while acknowledging her own participation in the system.
The actress recognizes the challenge of unlearning the teachings of Hollywood, especially as someone who started in the industry at a young age. She recalled her early experiences in blockbuster studio movies, where her appearance was meticulously sculpted, including daily body contouring for Pirates of the Caribbean at the age of 17.
Knightley's upcoming project, Silent Night, is a Christmas comedy written and directed by Camille Griffin, featuring Matthew Goode and Annabel Wallis. It seems that her journey as an actress is coming full circle as she continues to make conscious choices aligned with her values.
