Keira Knightley has long been regarded as one of the most respected actors in the industry. Yet, she once faced harsh criticism for her performance in a film that would eventually make her a household name. Knightley first garnered attention with the 2002 hit Bend It Like Beckham, but it was her role in Gore Verbinski’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003 that catapulted her into superstardom. The film became a blockbuster, solidifying the franchise’s place in cinematic history.
However, despite the film’s success and accoladesâ€â€most notably an Oscar nomination for Johnny Deppâ€â€Knightley’s performance was met with a surprisingly mixed reception. Critics were baffled by the polarized reviews, especially since she received widespread acclaim for her subsequent role in Pride & Prejudice. Recently, Knightley opened up about the confusing dichotomy of praise and criticism surrounding her early career.
Keira Knightley Was Confused By Polarizing Reviews For Her Work
She Was An Oscar Nominee But Also A “Terrible Actress”
During a candid conversation with Rosamund Pike for Vanity Fair, the two actors reflected on their iconic role in Pride & Prejudice, released 20 years ago. Their discussion intertwined nostalgia with revelations, particularly around the Oscar nominations they both received. Knightley specifically addressed the irony of earning an Oscar nomination for Pride & Prejudice at a time when she was perceived by many as a “terrible actress.”
“I think that was for me, it was because Pirates of the Caribbean had already come out, but in the public consciousness, I was seen as a terrible actress. This was the first one that was a phenomenally big success but was also critically acclaimed. I remember it coming out maybe the same year, maybe around the same time as Pirates 2, and I got the worst reviews ever for that while also being nominated for an Oscar at the same time. So, it was a confusing time in my 20, 21-year-old head,” she shared.
When Pike reminded her of the positive reception of Bend It Like Beckham, which preceded both Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride & Prejudice, Knightley reflected on how negative feedback often stuck with her:
“I got terrible reviews, or at least the ones that I remember or the ones that, in your 17-year-old brain actually sink in, of course, are only the ones that are negative.”
Knightley’s journey highlights the complex world that young actors navigate when dealing with criticism. Having been just a teen when Bend It Like Beckham released, the negativity she faced cast a long shadow over her budding career. It’s not just the accolades that define an actor; it’s also the harsh realities of public perception.
This emotional whiplashâ€â€being lauded for one performance while criticized for anotherâ€â€can be a challenging experience. Thankfully, Knightley has managed to overcome these obstacles. Over the past two decades, she has solidified her reputation, garnering another Oscar nomination in 2014, along with two BAFTA nominations and four Golden Globe nods. Her resilience in the face of criticism speaks volumes about her talent and dedication to her craft.
As Knightley continues to evolve as an actress, her journey resonates with many aspiring performers eager to make their mark in a world that can be as unforgiving as it is rewarding. The ability to rise above adversity is what truly defines greatness in Hollywood.