Keira Knightley: Addicted to period dramas?

Helen Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 08:37 AM EST

Keira is beautiful but extremely thin. I read here (http://www.projectweightloss.com/index.php) about what she eats and her favorite exercise and, wow, she’s got quite a metabolism.

Keira Fans.Net Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:05 AM EST

Keira's an outstanding actress and, you're right, she is perfect in this types of movie. But, I admit I'd love to see her in a more modern role.

Sharlin Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 02:22 AM EST

I love Keira! Though I agree!! Stop doing the period dramas, but then again, her contemporary films dont make much money and she only gets good reviews and promo for the period pieces. Hey if actors find their niche and stick with it, I guess its ok. I mean look at Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts and Jean Claude Van Damme and the rest of them and stick to one genre.

Quinn Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 05:28 PM EST

Keira is a breath of fresh air and she should do what she has a passion for. If you think about it, she did the three POC movies, Domino and the Jacket within the last 5 years and now she has done a handful of period dramas. There's nothing wrong with switching it up. I'm sure there will be other roles she takes in the near future that won't be period dramas. She is only 23! Plenty of movies to come.

dave Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 02:56 AM EST

She's great in period dramas. And if she likes doing them, more power to her. She's one of the actresses I have a lot of respect for. If those are the good roles that come by for her, she should take them, and not just settle for some crappy romantic comedy just because she's fearful of being typecast.

Raven_Moon Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 06:04 PM EST

I enjoyed this article. I've wondered why she always chooses period film, as well. She's a wnderful actress & she's great in them, but I would like to see her do a more contemporary film every now & then. Just to mix it up.

briony Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 03:07 PM EST

No one but a buffoon would question Keira's talent or her choice in films. You don't see her in crap like "Marley & Me".

Patricia T. Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 11:50 AM EST

Keep right on doing period pieces, Keira! You're perfect! Nothing against these actresses, but I don't want her to become another Kate Hudson or Katherine Heigl, doing silly romantic fluff. Enjoyable entertainment, I guess, but fluff. As she gets older, she'll move, possibly, into more "character" pieces like a Diane Lane or a Laura Linney, both very interesting actresses. Why we question Keira's talent and seem to just love Jennifer Aniston is beyond me!

Camille Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 11:50 AM EST

I think that you need help, not her!

Arabella Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 09:45 AM EST

If Keira chose to be in a film as a girlfriend to a superhero, she would lose credibility, at least with me. I admire her for the wise choices she's made in her career. I also envy her immensely for having been given the opportunity to snog Orlando, Johnny, and James McAvoy. So jealous!

Rebecca Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 07:43 AM EST

Are you serious? She has been in some fantastic period pieces over the last few years and you are criticizing her for choosing good women characters, because they happen to be in different eras?
Yeah, I guess it would be better that she dumb herself down to fluffy romantic comedies, as other actresses have done, and stop choosing good roles. Whatever is she thinking, trying to develop her acting talent and trying to become a good character actress instead of choosing vapid roles that would make others (such as the writer of this article) happy.
I guess the problem is not with Hollywood, where they have nearly no good roles for women in contemporary movies. Maybe the only good role for a young actress this year was Hathaway's role in Rachel Getting Married, but I can't think of any other decent role for a young woman in a contemporary movie.
I think that if you want to criticize her about her "only" choosing period roles, start with criticizing Hollywood for the lack of woemn charact

Danielle Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 12:35 AM EST

No movies are better then Period Dramas.

jackie Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:16 PM EST

She probably chooses period pieces for the same reason so many young actresses choose horror films: these are two of only a few genres where women are allowed to take the lead. Whoever commented that they would "like to see her play the love interest of a superhero", you inadvertently made my point for me. Being "the girl" is often the meatiest female role in many films, especially for young, pretty women, so why shouldn't KK stick to a genre that lets her shine for another reason than her looks? I'm not saying she wasn't gorgeous in P&P or Atonement, but I wasn't captivated by her performances in those movies because of how she looked. I for one would like to see her (and all actresses) have meatier roles in traditionally male-dominated genres (action, political drama, thrillers) where they are more than just a sexual object or the gf or the damsel in distress. One rare example of the past year was T. Swinton in "Michael Clayton." (most such roles are geared older, though.)

irene Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:57 PM EST

A friend and I had the same discussion the other day; Why are most of her movies period pieces? If those are the stories that she finds intriging then good for her. She should be allowed to choose what roles inspire her instead of guessing what roles we want to see her in. Having said that, it would be nice to see her in a contemporary thriller or a Woody Allen comedy.

Stella Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:40 PM EST

Yes, I have seen Bend it Like Beckham, and she was decent in a soccer-teen movie, so I don't see how that supports her acting abilities. She's a decent actress - she's very confident and poised - but again, essentially plays the same character - cool, yet playful and spunky - over and over again. AKA herself. And don't use that "well she's been nominated for an Oscar" argument. It's lame.

She can act. It's just extremely limited acting, and getting boring seeing her pull off the same stunts in every movie. She should have turned to modeling - she IS charismatic, and she could have been the next Gisele Bundchen. But honestly, many of her peers are much more worthwhile, such as Rachel McAdams or Emily Blunt.

Rhonda Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 07:59 PM EST

I worry about her playing Zelda Fitzgerald because I've never heard her do an American accent. She can do comedy though, as evidenced by Bend it Like Beckham and even the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I'd like to see her host SNL.

Danny Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 07:47 PM EST

franny, what a stupid thing to say. If she "can't act" then why has she been nominated for an Academy Award?

franny Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 07:32 PM EST

The only reason she does period films is so she can hide her limited acting ability behind costumes. Will she ever realise that pouting is NOT the same thing as acting?

Briony Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 06:21 PM EST

Hey, Hoyt, it's obvious you haven't seen most of her films. No corsets to be found on her in Pride & Prejudice or in Atonement. Guess you missed that nice little sex scene in the library.

Anabell Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 06:20 PM EST

Hoyt, yeah, okay. Keira's only playing herself in these roles. And that's why she's been nominated for so many acting awards. Whatever.

amy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 06:11 PM EST

Keira's reasons for preferring period films are sound. Besides, she's great in them. I'm glad someone as talented and lovely as Keira has chosen to appear in many of my favorite recent films.

James Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 06:01 PM EST

Get over it. She's a good actress. If you don't like period pieces, don't take it out on the readers.

Yosef Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 05:49 PM EST

She can so play modern stuff - she was great in Star Wars as that Princess Amadeus girl. And what about V for Victory? That is in the futuyre, ok, but still it is not in the past.

Hoyt Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 05:44 PM EST

Maybe she is only able to really do one type of role: stiff, cold, and tightly-corsetted British female. Some actors essentially play themselves over and over because they lack true acting range. It is not a fault, just perhaps the way she is. There just aren't many Kate Winsletts out there, who have true acting talent to play the whole character spectrum. Kiera is no Kate but she can still make a good go of it playing what she is able to play.

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 05:23 PM EST

Keira acts in the time periods she does because the world doesnt seem to work as it used to.Then such as her films 'Pride and Predjudice' and her more recent 'The Dutchess' the people talked with more meaning and compassion, now its short and to the point, quite blunt actually. Also I agree with her you can escape to an unreal world of imagination and passion.

Arabella Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 05:17 PM EST

Victoria, you're deluded and very mean-spirited. If Keira were as bad as you say, she wouldn't have been nominated for so many acting awards, including Academy Awards. Sheesh.

Victoria Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 05:12 PM EST

I would like to see Keira in NO roles, quite frankly. Looking pretty while speaking in a British accent does not equal good acting. She's passable. Not good enough for any real note and not bad enough to not get any work.

Sally Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 04:16 PM EST

I like Keira in these period roles, but I agree with the writer. I think Keira is risking "pigeonholing" herself into just period pieces. I'd like to see her do a more contemporary role as well.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 03:49 PM EST

bostonbean, I understand the writer's wanting to initiate a discussion on this topic, but don't you think the tone of Missy's article is a bit snarky and negative?

David Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 03:17 PM EST

I have no problem with Keira being in costume dramas as long as the movie is good. I would like her to do more comedy though.

bostonbean Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 03:09 PM EST

Holy cow, you guys are really crapping on this article. I think EW is just bringing up a point of discussion. What they say isn't wrong, she certainly has done a lot of period movies and yes, her fans and maybe her detractors also want to see her in other stuff. No need to go off on why EW doesn't pick on actress a or actress b. I for one would just like to see how she does in other roles because she was pretty great in Bend it Like Beckham and Love Actually although the role was very small in the latter. And of course, if she does indeed have broad talent--which I think she does--it would be nice to see her take a shot.

Joe Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:40 PM EST

christ, she's hot.

GeeMoney Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:35 PM EST

I saw "The Duchess" the other day, and I thought that Knightley gave a good performance. It would be nice to see her venture out and try some other roles, but sometimes when I think actors such as Keira, Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett and others venture out into commercial acting territory or try action or real mainstream films, it may end up disasterous (aka The Jacket and The Chronicles of Riddick). I guess as long as people are still paying to see her in them, I say more power to her.

Briony Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:31 PM EST

Keira is doing the smart thing and sticking to making movies that inspire her. She doesn't need some dime a dozen hack writer wannabe at EW trying to tell her what to do with her career. Missy's probably just jealous that she has to sit in a lousy office all day while Keira's career has given her the opportunity to kiss talented studs like Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and James McAvoy.

Nicole Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:12 PM EST

It's so weird that this has come up, I just saw The Duchess and thought "I really wish Knightley would play in a role that doesn't require a corset" she's a great actress (loved P&P) but I wish she'd branch out a little.

anne Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:53 PM EST

Keira is a classic English beauty and as such she is perfect for peroid pieces. That being said, it would be cool to see her in a gritty crime drama playing off type. or perhaps playing ex-MI6 opposite Clive Owens or Henry Cavill. she would be great!

Kelly Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:11 PM EST

That was a good and fun article. Anyway, I love Keira Knightley as an actress. Plus she's very pretty. I hope she plays a love interest of a superhero. (i just can't think of a particular one, right now). But she really is good in her roles, i especially love her in Love Actually and Pride and Prejudice.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:08 PM EST

Stella, you're completely wrong. Keira can do contemporary just fine. Seen Bend It Like Beckham?

Stella Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 01:06 PM EST

Keira does period pieces so often because that's all she can do. She's a terribly limited actress - she's good at spunky and haughty and that's about it. I agree - her beauty and mannerisms lend themselves very well to different periods, especially when she's playing an aristocrat - no one can hold a cigarette like she. But again, that's about it.

dan Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM EST

"(And I’m not even counting The Jacket, which took place during the Gulf War era of the 1990s, and is therefore the past.)" Of course youre not counting it, it's NOT a period film... not by any definition of that term. So your thesis is basically, all of Keira's recent movies have been period films, except the ones that weren't. Wow, you are SO SMART!

dennis Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:46 PM EST

i love kiera knightly. i like her in period pieces, but i wish she would do some romantic comedies. she was good in love actually.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:35 PM EST

kingofcities, I haven't seen The Dutchess yet either, but my mom did and she LOVED it! I can't wait to see it.

anthony Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:34 PM EST

keira knightly to me is the bes actress in her twenties that i've seen. if it's what she likes, and she's good at it then i see no problem with it. I enjoy all types of movies, and am especially drawn to keira's. so keep on keepin on!

Jillyro Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:25 PM EST

Didn't EW get on Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett's cases a couple years back for the exact same thing?!? Yet their careers are doing just fine. I think many of the writers at EW are young and have no taste, not into period pieces, requires to much thinking perhaps? Yet they go all gaga over Katherine Heigl for that stupid baby movie and Jennifer Aniston for a dog movie, both parts that could have been played by a female robot and nobody would have noticed???????? Back to film school EW staff, stat!!!!!!

kingofcities Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:24 PM EST

Wow, lots of seriousness on the interwebz here. Not sure why any of you would pounce on either the writer or EW about a topic clearly meant to be a water cooler-esque discussion. I'd also point out that there are plenty of-non period piece roles for women that are plenty intelligent.

Sidebar, you folks seen The Duchess? Is it worth a look? I haven't seen much about this one.

anonymous. Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 12:20 PM EST

Amen to many of the people who say that EW should be ragging on Jennifer Aniston, Katherine Heigl and Kate Hudson instead for playing the same old parts every time (even if they did branch out, they don't have the acting chops for it). Any actress could play the parts they do, they are interchangeble. As for KK, she can do both, for her young age she has oodles more talent than the gals mentioned and plenty of time to flip back and forth. Her career choices are earning her bravos and noms from the award-givers, so lay off! I say she's on the right career path. At least she is not living a tabloid life like her peer Lindsay Lohan or like the much older Aniston.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:59 AM EST

By the way, I'm in the middle of watching "Becoming Jane" and I'm enjoying it immensely. Anne Hathaway's British accent is just fine and I'm thrilled to discover that James McAvoy is in it. Would've watched it much sooner and several thousand times if I had known! Speaking of period pieces, what ever happened to Matthew Macfadyen, Keira's Mr. Darcy? He was just fantastic, I'd like to see more of his work.

Laura Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:52 AM EST

This is a silly post, EW. There are so few good roles out there for women, and most often they are found in period dramas of some sort. So I don't blame Keira for doing so many period dramas, especially because she's good at them. I would much rather see her do that than the repetitive, generic roles that Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Katherine Heigl, and Anne Hathaway usually do.

Arabella Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:45 AM EST

To Eric Friedmann: RIGHT ON!!!!!!

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:44 AM EST

I don't think because period pieces are my favorite makes me biased because the movies I love are also acclaimed by the industry, so it's not just me. Keira wouldn't be nominated for so many awards if, like you say, all of her performances were the same. How many times has Jennifer Aniston been nominated for her film work? If Keira is presented with a script that appeals to her, then she should do it, whether it be a period piece or contemporary. And she certainly shouldn't base her decision on an EW blog ragging on her to stop doing period films.

CaliCat Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:40 AM EST

Give Kiera a break. Her movies have been wonderful to watch and her characters varied. "Contemporary" movies hardly give a gifted actress much to work with as either the sexy sidekick to a macho man in an action flick or half an inane duo in a romantic comedy. I enjoy Kiera's work and her movie choices and look forward to any of her upcoming releases.

Eric Friedmann Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:39 AM EST

Isn't it absolutely amazing that when someone in the motion picture business dedicates the better part of their acting careers to more literate, meaningful roles, the MORONS who write for EW suddenly find a reason to find something odd about it? I suppose you have to constantly play an idiot on the screen to be considered part of the Hollywood norm, as far as EW is concerned.

kingofcities Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:22 AM EST

Miss Sassy, perhaps you are slightly biased BECAUSE they are your favorite? To clarify, I love period pieces. I think I've seen all of Keira's except for The Duchess. As the writer here pointed out though, she has made a lot of them in a short time relatively speaking and it appears there are a lot more on the horizon. Doesn't mean they won't be good. I personally would like to see more variety is all.

Bandit Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 11:06 AM EST

Guess to get EW's praise (or on the cover), a gal must take an everyday any-actress-could-play-it part with a dog named Marley (plus pose naked and have a tabloid career)? That is what EW maybe calls branching out acting??? Didn't that article toot Jennier for heading into a different direction (which is so not true) Or maybe if you need a Mom named Goldie to take the same part over and over without criticism from EW?!! Yet actors who get noms and are excellent in every role like Keira get ragged on and are told by EW to branch out??

Limey Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:56 AM EST

I like KK in period films, as said, not easy to pull off and each role she has done is different. As someone else said, why not pick on Kate Hudson & Jennifer Aniston who ALWAYS plays the same girl over and over in contemporary roles (Rachel in Aniston's case) and don't even change their hairstyles from role to role and are blah. When a credible mag like EW puts a mediocre actress like Jennifer A. on their cover, I feared they're starting to spotlight the mediocre over the true talents *shakes head*.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM EST

kingofcities, I've seen P&P about 50 times, so yeah, I can tell the differences in her performances. For example, in P&P her performance is much softer than in Atonement, where she is much angrier, edgier. Perhaps these films are not your favorite type, so they all seem the same to you, but period films are my favorite so I can appreciate their subtleties. I just don't see why people are making an issue of her making period films. She's perfect for them, she enjoys them, she gets nominated for Academy Awards for them. Why should she change her career path for other people?

Dan Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:45 AM EST

Never cared for Keira Knightley or her acting. Never found her to be very attractive either

kingofcities Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM EST

Miss Sassy, maybe you didn't watch the same P&P that I did but she most certainly mumbled. I have no problem with English accents whatsoever. As for the rest, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I think her performances in these period pieces are extremely similar to each other. Contrast Atonement against Domino or Love Actually and there's a huge difference of tone and feel. Against Pirates or P&P? Not so much. And that's great if you like that one note because it is a good note. I'd just like to see what else she can do as well.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:38 AM EST

For all you Keira fans out there, check this out, it's hysterical:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdynbD7cNMo

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:29 AM EST

not completely true - what about Love Actually, that was a movie in contemporary time.

E Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:08 AM EST

Keira: be Catwoman in Batman 3. Love.

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:07 AM EST

kingofcities, I couldn't disagree with you more. Keira's performances most certainly are different in each of her films. Her mannerisms, even her facial expressions are clearly unique for each of her characters. You can't honestly say that she's giving "the same performance" in her roles as Cecelia and Lizzy. And I really don't know where you get the "mumbling" part. Perhaps you have trouble deciphering the British accent.

bostonbean Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:00 AM EST

She's been great in period roles so I don't mind. But it would be nice to see her in something modern, at least that adds a new actress to that area instead of constantly seeing jennifer aniston or reese witherspoon. And to that person who criticized Anne Hathaway's performance Becoming Jane...not sure about her accent (Americans don't do brit accents nearly as well as the other way around) but I thought her performance was pretty fantastic. Layered and subtle.

kingofcities Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:59 AM EST

I wouldn't mind her repetitive career choices if she wasn't delivering the performances the exact same way every time. Mix dry, understated and a lot of mumbling with a girl trying to find her place in the world while bucking against the repressed societal conventions of the past and you have EVERY Keira Knightley role. It's the same shtick every time. I see the talent there. She should branch out and give us something different.

Snarf Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:58 AM EST

She does them well. Saw the Duchess on New Years Day and loved it. That being said love to see her do an Action/adventure...

Yippee537 Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:57 AM EST

Eh, she probably just likes playing "dress-up".

Miss Sassy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:49 AM EST

Atonement and Pride & Prejudice are two of my favorite films. Anyone who criticizes Keira for doing too many period films is just grasping at straws to find fault with her brilliant performances, which are superior and flawless (as is confirmed by Sir Oscar), and her highly successful career. If this is the worst thing you can say about her, then I'd say Keira's a much bigger success than any of you naysayers will ever be. Why should she do a film she doesn't enjoy doing just because small-minded people like you are whining that she does "too many" period pieces? I applaud Keira for not listening to people like you and doing the films she wants to do. Because obviously she's quite successful at it, no matter what you people think.

arby64 Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:45 AM EST

As long as she doesn't make Domino 2...

harry Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:41 AM EST

I concur agent227.

dave-o Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:22 AM EST

she needs to eat a sandwich instead of playing the duchess of sandwich...

Rachel Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:14 AM EST

While she is good at what she does and beautiful, I'm tired of seeing her in all the great period films. I'd like to see somebody else please! She's the same in every film, so what's the difference between characters besides her clothes? Hollywood is a vast pool of talent untapped.

Minutiae Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:09 AM EST

Not really a big fan of Knightley (I honestly don't think she's the slightest bit attractive--the underbite is distracting, and she's WAY too thin for my tastes--and she's just an OK actress), but doing period films for a while isn't necessarily the death of a career. Helena Bonham Carter made a nice niche for herself for years, then branched out for "kookier" roles like her part in Fight Club. Keira will be fine as long as she keeps the films interesting.

Kellan Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:08 AM EST

I adore Keira, and I think if period films work for her, she shouldn't have to stop doing them for now. I love those kinds of movies, and I think she makes each character unique and doesn't come across as Keira doing the same role over and over. I think she's perfect for the roles she has played, and she makes me want to see the period films she is in. Plenty of actors do "different" roles and play the same character over & over. I think Keira has thus far managed to avoid doing that.

Michelle Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 09:07 AM EST

Keira's one of my favorite actresses. So she does quite a few period films? So what? Does that not make her good actress? She's been great in everything I've seen her do. If those roles are the most interesting for her, then I say go for it. Besides, she's got more acting ability in her little finger than some people I could mention. *coughKatieHeiglcough*

BrandonK Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:48 AM EST

Go for it, Keira! I love her in costume dramas (or comedies or whatever). She's been awesome in most of them..."Pride & Prejudice", "Atonement", "The Duchess", etc.

MAC Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:35 AM EST

How about 2003's Love Actually?!?! Love Keira Knightley. She is the rich man's version of that annoying Natalie Portman!

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:32 AM EST

not ALL PERIOD movies are the SAME... if you ask me "modern" movies can sometimes all be the same. there is something so deep, in depth in good period movies. she was amazing in the duchess... I like her acting, def one of the best in the younger generation!!!

agent227 Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:31 AM EST

Her voice and mannerisms are perfect for period films, and as long as she's so good at them, why beg her to quit? Then we'll be stuck with the likes of Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman, who, while both good actresses, are fairly unbelievable when they tackle roles of the past. Especially Hathaway. Her british accent in Becoming Jane was scary. Think of what Knightley could have done with the same role. And, for the record, I haven't really liked any of her contemporary roles, save that of her turn as an emotionally torn newlywed in Love, Actually. Long live the period drama!

Mock Tudor Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:24 AM EST

Where does this notion that all films set in the past are exactly the same come from? In what possible sense does Gladiator belong in the same category as Capote?
None at all. But that's what you're saying.

Doesn't going from an 18. century English Duchess to a 20. century American novelist qualify as "changing"? Why not? And why would a role in some generic modern rom-com be so much better?

JackJack Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:11 AM EST

I think she's AMAZING in period films - not everyone can do them! And considering there's how many years of history? Sounds like there are more stories out there that are "period" than there are "contemporary". And she's not doing silly romcoms is she? Why don't you tell Kate Hudson to grow up and do something different?

Jenna Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:04 AM EST

To be honest with you, I quite enjoy her in period films. She lends herself beautifully to every role and she never acts the same role twice. In other words, you can't compare her portayal of Elizabeth Bennett to her portrayal of Georgiana Cavendish. She makes each character unique, you never say "oh she holds herself the same way here as she does in this scene of Pride and Prejudice, or she just gave him the same look she gave Mr. Darcy.

For comparisons sake take, Diane Lane who has played the same exact character in several films. Halfway through it, you are hit by a feeling of deja vu. This doesnt happen with Keira Knightley's films.

Also, she has said she doesn't plan to do films much longer. SHe wants a real life. So the likelihood, of getting bored of her doing period films or pigeon holing herself is unlikely

PeterBilt The Nature Boy Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 07:54 AM EST

Ha ha, nice one Bettie!! Seriously Keira, doing 'Domino' does not qualify as branching out. You still are a fine young thang though.

Bettie Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 07:42 AM EST

Well considering her version of acting is pouting her lips, and gasping a lot (and basically looking petchulant), the less work she gets the better.