In ‘Black Doves,’ Keira Knightley is a mother and an assassin: ‘My teenage self is thrilled’

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Looking back at the captivating life journey of Keira Knightley, I find myself utterly captivated by her versatility and dedication to her craft. From period dramas to modern comedies, she has effortlessly navigated through various genres, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of cinema history.

22 years after becoming a teenage sensation with “Bend It Like Beckham”, Keira Knightley has accomplished nearly every acting feat. From World War II dramas to apocalyptic comedies, she’s showcased her versatility. She’s also sung and played the guitar, and yes, you heard it right, she’s even taken on roles requiring an American accent.

Unlike many top Oscar nominees, Knightley hasn’t taken on a lead role in a popular streaming series – until the arrival of “Black Doves”. In this witty yet gory spy thriller, thoughtfully set at Christmas in London, she portrays a woman navigating a complex double life.

Created and penned by Joe Barton (“Giri/Haji”), this Netflix series centers around Helen Webb, the refined spouse of a conservative politician and doting mother of twins. However, her past as a long-serving assassin for a clandestine group known as the Black Doves is hidden from view. When her secret lover, Jason (Andrew Koji), meets an untimely end, Helen’s mysterious superior, Reed (Sarah Lancashire), senses that she’s in peril and encourages Sam (Ben Whishaw), a former member of the Black Doves and Helen’s confidant, to emerge from retirement to safeguard her. As old friends reconnect, they embark on an investigation into Jason’s demise, gradually peeling back layers of a plot with far-reaching implications that leaves destruction in its wake across the city.

Ever since my last live-action TV appearance in the BBC’s “Doctor Zhivago” back in 2002, I’ve been yearning for a small screen project. After immersing myself in some weighty roles, such as last year’s “The Boston Strangler,” I felt it was high time to seek out something lighter and more effervescent.

Television

Under the leadership of Keira Knightley, Sarah Lancashire, and Ben Whishaw, this London-based Christmas-themed suspense story abounds with emotions.

In a conversation from London, where she resides with her husband, musician James Righton, and their two children, Knightley expresses her teenage self would be ecstatic about this. She suggests that it’s important to heed the wisdom of your younger self and say, “This is for you,” she adds, believing her younger self would find this quite fascinating.

Additionally, Knightley sought out a character with intricate depth and complexity, ensuring her engagement during the six-month filming period and possibly future episodes as well.

According to Knightley, Helen was quite unusual as she combined various odd and contradictory elements simultaneously. He, on the other hand, appreciated the convenience of work being near his residence. For him, not disturbing his children’s school routine was a tremendous relief.

Initially during the script-writing phase, Barton believed that Knightley had a special talent for portraying the complex, multifaceted character of Helen.

“People know the period drama, Jane Austen side. But she’s done ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Domino,’ she’s done silly and also very serious. She’s a really fantastic, underrated actor,” he says, citing her ability, in films like “Atonement,” to play “characters that are desperate to break out from the societal restraints put on them. … She does ‘below the surface, striving to escape from something’ really well.”

Moreover, she quickly adjusted to the fast-paced world of television production, as Barton puts it, “If you’ve managed to thrive under Jerry Bruckheimer, then handling a TV schedule is manageable.

As I delve into the captivating world of “Black Doves,” currently available for streaming, I had the privilege to engage in a candid discussion with the inimitable Keira Knightley. In this exclusive chat, she openly reflects on her tumultuous journey with early stardom and offers an unfiltered perspective on the iconic film, “Love Actually.” Our conversation has been carefully pruned for clarity and conciseness.

Intrigued by Helen, who embodies such an interesting paradox – a refined Conservative matron with a hidden lethal side as an assassin. What about her captivated your imagination?

I found it deeply poignant when considering a person who, a decade ago, made a life decision from which they can’t retreat and now grapples with the regret of its permanence. It seemed to me, quite profoundly, that she was bound by this choice and saw no escape. Her relationship with her spouse, a bond forged through shared children, carries love. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder, if one is constantly betraying their partner, what does that love truly represent?

We know very little about Helen’s backstory. Was that challenging for you as a performer?

She’s undeniably a mystery. Pondering her past helps me imagine what life as a child might have been for someone to make the decisions she does. It’s intriguing to consider: a person who feels compelled to maintain control over others, and believes that by deceiving them, they hold the reins. From where do such needs for control originate? If one must betray before being betrayed? This is the question her story raises.

The central dynamic of the show revolves around the connection between Helen and Sam. Can you describe the kind of relationship they share?

They’re allowed to be their whole selves. With everybody else, their self gets compartmentalized, which I think we do in life. You are a parent, therefore your mum self is the one that your children see. But you have this old friend where you’re allowed to be all of these other parts of yourself. I thought that was a lovely thing to have that at the center of [the show]. It is obviously a platonic relationship, and yet it’s probably the most meaningful relationship in both of their lives.

Is it possible to experience genuine love or a satisfying life if those around you don’t fully understand your true nature? As a devoted fan of John le Carré, I find myself drawn to the melancholy he so skillfully conveys – the price people pay for living duplicitous lives, never truly being known. “Black Doves” captures this feeling perfectly, even amidst its comedic elements and explosive action scenes. Beneath the surface, there’s a sense of melancholy and loneliness that resonates deeply.

Movies

This week’s Video on Demand (VOD) options include “Anne Heche and Alec Baldwin” in the storm-chaser drama “Supercell,” as well as “Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game” and the supernatural horror movie “Unwelcome.

In this project, you had the opportunity to perform some unforgettable combat sequences, such as a gunfight while your character was heavily pregnant. Did you find this situation surprisingly empowering?

People were taken aback, but it was quite fascinating on set that day. Everyone there reacted as if they saw something terrifying. However, being an irate pregnant woman myself, twice over, I found myself saying, “No, this fits perfectly.” The concept of her being pregnant with twins and feeling so uncomfortable resonated with me. She wore those rather sad Conservative-style loafers. I appreciated the contrast between that and firing the gun.

A while back, you penned a compelling piece on the unfair double standards experienced by working mothers within their field. Are these issues still something you encounter today?

The double standards are still there throughout society. I think the industry has [improved] a lot in the last 10 years. There are many more women behind the scenes now, in the camera and electrical departments, and you never would have seen that 15 years ago. But it’s a brutal industry for working mothers. You lose so many women as soon as they [have children] because the hours are impossible and you never know what country you’re going to be in.

You started acting at a very young age. Would you allow your kids to act if they wanted to?

Although they haven’t shown any inclination yet, I believe it’s best to keep any public activities on hold until they reach maturity. I value their privacy greatly.

During my summer vacations, I had some small opportunities to act, but nothing became hugely successful. Still, it was an enjoyable and beneficial experience for me. It wasn’t until I turned 16 and starred in “Bend It Like Beckham” that things took off dramatically.

Looking back, it was quite challenging, but at the same time, there were some extraordinary chances presented to me. What are your thoughts on the whole experience?

Experiencing privacy invasion and intense scrutiny during your teenage years and early twenties can be extremely harsh, especially when you’re still growing and developing. However, I wouldn’t have achieved the financial security or career success I enjoy today without going through that challenging phase. For around five years, between ages 17 and 21-ish, I experienced a level of achievement that I likely won’t replicate again. It truly laid the foundation for my future. Was it worth the price? Absolutely. But was it a high cost to pay? Definitely. Given what I had to sacrifice, could I recommend that experience to my child? No, I couldn’t in good faith. Yet, am I grateful for the lessons and experiences I gained? Yes, certainly. And fortunately, my children seem to have no interest in following a similar path. Indeed, life often requires such trade-offs, but it’s good that my kids aren’t interested in this particular journey.

What do they want to be?

Currently, I am a sweet shop owner. However, my other self aspires to become a bear. I’m not sure if that transformation is feasible.

You came out of it all OK, unlike many other young stars. Why do you think that is?

I grew up with a strong and reliable family foundation, surrounded by friends and relatives who didn’t profit from my situation. They had no personal stake in it. I led a life distinct from the industry, and I’ve consistently managed to preserve this independence. This has been crucial for me. Having a stable background instead of being surrounded by people only interested in making money off you, who might pressure you to keep going even when you need rest, is an entirely different situation. I was encouraged and given the freedom to take a break whenever I wanted.

Wasn’t that five-year span we discussed also an extremely harsh era for adolescent girls within their culture? Does it still shock you to think about it today?

At the moment in question, I was taken aback and found it unacceptable. The situation was crystal clear to me as being incredibly shocking. There was an element of gaslighting when I was told by several men that “this is what you wanted.” This language can be described as rape culture rhetoric. It was a hostile, misogynistic environment filled with violence.

They intended for me to experience unwanted attention and surveillance by men, whether this was due to mental instability or financial gain – to me, the impact was the same. It was a harsh period for any young woman under scrutiny.

Social media significantly alters the situation, particularly in terms of its impact on young women and teenage girls. Essentially, fame often equates to public humiliation, a reality that many adolescent girls struggle to endure due to its potential harmful effects.

Given it’s Christmastime, I can’t help but wonder if you’ve ever watched “Love Actually.” I heard that you’ve only seen it on one occasion. Is that correct?

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that most movies I’ve watched are either entirely unfamiliar to me or I’ve only caught them once. This isn’t a reflection on “Love Actually,” a film that has an undeniable charm. It was initially underestimated by many when it first graced our screens, but remarkably, around three or four years later, it seemed to reawaken and flourish, almost as if it had a life of its own. I’ve only experienced this phenomenon with “Love Actually,” as I was part of the cast for just five days during my teenage years. Regrettably, due to my age at the time, I can’t recall a single scene or line from that brief stint on set.

The plot point, particularly the scene involving Andrew Lincoln’s character arriving at your doorstep with the cue cards, has become a subject of debate and controversy.

In retrospect, there was an awkward moment regarding the character’s behavior – I clearly recall that incident. It brings to mind director Richard Curtis, now one of my closest friends, instructing me during the filming of a scene, “You’re giving Lincoln a creepy gaze,” to which I responded defensively, “But it really is quite unsettling.” Subsequently, I had to re-shoot the scene to ensure that Lincoln appeared less suspicious or creepy.

So you felt there was a creep factor at the time?

Wasn’t there an awkward vibe back then, wouldn’t you agree? And I was certainly 17. It just feels like just yesterday when everyone else finally caught on that I was 17.

You are very strongly identified with period dramas. What is the appeal for you?

Ever since I was young, I’ve had a deep-rooted curiosity for the past. Although I stopped attending school at 16, it provides me an opportunity to self-educate about different eras in history. Delving into research is one of my favorite activities. By understanding the guidelines of that era, you can then challenge them. To me, the implications of bending those rules are quite intriguing.

Is there a period that is your favorite, or least favorite, in terms of the clothing?

In simpler terms,

One way to rephrase the given text is:

But Helen does have a lot of luxurious sweaters.

As a movie enthusiast, watching “Black Doves,” I found myself envious of the character who manages to sport impeccable cashmere attire despite having small children running around. Truth be told, I’m more likely to find myself in spilled milk and play-dough stains than pristine cashmere!

Have you achieved an impressive career milestone at such a young age? Are there individuals you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

I’ve never made a structured plan or maintained a list of people I aspired to collaborate with. Instead, I find myself incredibly thankful whenever someone extends an invitation for me to work together. In terms of the projects I take on, they are simply those that captivate my interest at the moment. As for what may hold my attention next year, even I can’t predict it – which often leaves both my agents and manager quite frustrated.

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2024-12-06 02:35