Keira Knightley's inclination towards period films is not merely a consequence of being typecast; rather, it stems from a principled stand.
While she occasionally ventures into contemporary films like "Love Actually" or "Begin Again," her filmography is predominantly characterized by period pieces such as "Anna Karenina," "Atonement," "Pride and Prejudice," and even "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Contrary to the assumption of typical Hollywood typecasting, Knightley's deliberate avoidance of modern-day projects has been clarified by the actress herself in a recent interview with Variety. She points out that despite the rise of platforms like Netflix and Amazon showcasing strong female characters, conventional cinema often fails to follow suit.
"In fact, I don't make films set in the present day because all the female characters that are written almost always end up being raped," she candidly reveals. Knightley expresses her dissatisfaction with the representation of women in contemporary films, citing it as a primary reason for her affinity towards period dramas where she finds the roles more inspiring.
While acknowledging positive changes in the industry, with more scripts featuring modern stories and empowered female protagonists, Knightley remains committed to her chosen path. "I know things are getting better. Suddenly I am starting to receive several scripts with modern stories in which the protagonist is not raped in the first five pages or she is simply there as a loving girlfriend or girlfriend of the man," she notes.
Despite the challenges, Knightley maintains a steadfast attitude towards her career. Reflecting on her early fame from "Pirates of the Caribbean" at the age of 18, she admits the initial scrutiny and fame were traumatic. However, she emphasizes that the experience shaped her professional life. Now, in a space where she genuinely enjoys her work and has navigated fame's challenges through therapy, Knightley stands unapologetically true to her choices.
