Awkward and unromantic! Keira Knightley confesses that a scene from ‘Love Actually’ always seemed disturbing to her
The scene has been a source of debate since its release in 2003. Although for many it is a classic romantic moment, others think differently
The iconic card scene in Love Actually - 63% (Love Actually), where Andrew Lincoln declares his love for Keira Knightley's character, has been a source of debate since its release in 2003. Although for many it is a classic romantic moment, the actress recently revealed in an interview that she always found it somewhat disturbing, especially considering that she was only 17 years old when she filmed it.
What did Keira Knightley say about the scene?
During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Knightley explained that even at the time of filming, she felt that the scene had an unsettling air. She recalled expressing her discomfort to director Richard Curtis, who ultimately asked her to change her facial expression to avoid making it seem like Lincoln's character was "creepy." The actress commented:
“My recollection is Richard saying to me, ‘No, you’re looking at [Lincoln] like he’s creepy,’ and I was like, ‘But he’s pretty creepy.’ Then we had to redo it so it didn’t look weird.”
The scene shows Lincoln holding cards expressing his love for Knightley’s character while her husband (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) is at home. Although the moment was intended to be a romantic gesture, many have interpreted it in recent years as a stalking act. Knightley mused: “There was a disturbing factor at the time, wasn’t there? Also, I knew I was 17. It seems like only now people are realising that.”
How has the director responded to the criticism?
Richard Curtis, writer and director of ‘Love Actually’, admitted in a 2023 interview that the scene may seem “a bit odd” from a contemporary perspective. However, he assured that it was not conceived as a harassment or awkward scene. According to Curtis:
“We didn’t think it was a harassment scene. But if it seems interesting or funny now for different reasons, well, bless our progressive world.”
Despite the criticism, the scene remains one of the most memorable in the film. Even Knightley has learned to embrace its cultural impact, albeit with some reservations. On The Graham Norton Show, the actress recounted how workers recreated the scene while she was stuck in traffic, something she described as “creepy and sweet at the same time.”
What are Keira Knightley’s current projects?
Throughout her career, Knightley has proven herself to be a versatile actress, from historical dramas like ‘Pride & Prejudice’ to thrillers like ‘The Imitation Game.’ Most recently, she starred in ‘Boston Strangler,’ where she played journalist Loretta McLaughlin in a story based on true events. The film, released in 2023, received praise for her portrayal of a woman determined to uncover the truth behind the infamous Boston murders.
In 2024, Knightley took on the lead role in the thriller series ‘Black Doves - 97%’, available on Netflix, playing a spy in a plot full of political intrigue. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Television Awards for Best Actress in a Drama Series.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Knightley continues to explore challenging and diverse roles. In addition, she remains committed to social causes, working with organizations such as Amnesty International and Oxfam. At 38, she remains a key figure in contemporary cinema, combining artistic projects with blockbusters and contributing to the dialogue on gender representation in the industry.
