Knightley has since become a notable lead actress, having appeared in several Hollywood films and earning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Biography
Early life
Knightley was born in Teddington, Greater London, England, the daughter of Sharman Macdonald, an award-winning playwright, and Will Knightley, a theatre and television actor. Her father is English and her mother is Scottish and of half Welsh ancestry. She has an elder brother, Caleb, who was born in 1979. Knightley lived most of her life in Richmond, attending Teddington School and Esher College. Knightley has dyslexia, but nevertheless was successful in school and was thus permitted to acquire a talent agent and pursue an acting career. She requested an agent as early as the age of three but got one when she turned six, from her mother as a reward for studying hard. Knightley has noted that she was "single-minded about acting" during her childhood. She performed in a number of local amateur productions including After Juliet (written by her mother) and United States (written by her then drama teacher, Ian McShane, no relation to the Deadwood actor).
Career
Knightley appeared in several television movies in the mid to late 1990s—including ITV1's The Bill—before being cast as Sabé, Padmé Amidala's decoy, in the 1999 science fiction blockbuster Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Knightley was cast in the role due to her close resemblance to Natalie Portman, who played Padmé; the two actresses' mothers had difficulty telling their daughters apart when the girls were in full makeup. Knightley's first starring role followed in 2001, when she played the daughter of Robin Hood in the made-for-television Walt Disney Productions feature, Princess of Thieves. During this time, Knightley also appeared in The Hole, a thriller that received a direct-to-video release in the United States. She appeared in a miniseries adaptation of Doctor Zhivago that first aired in 2002 to mixed reviews but high ratings.
Knightley's breakthrough role was in the football-themed film, Bend It Like Beckham, which was a success in its August 2002 UK release, grossing $18 million, and in its March 2003 U.S. release, grossing $32 million. After Bend It Like Beckham's UK release raised her profile, she was cast in the big budget action film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (along with Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp) which was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and opened in July 2003 to positive reviews and high box office grosses, becoming one of the biggest hits of summer 2003 and cementing Knightley as the new "It" girl.
Knightley had a role in the British romantic comedy Love Actually, which opened in November 2003. Though charismatic, her performance was overlooked in the crowded A-List cast. Her next film, King Arthur, opened in July 2004 to negative reviews. In the same month, Knightley was voted by readers of Hello! magazine as the film industry's most promising teen star. Additionally, Time magazine noted in a 2004 feature that Knightley seemed dedicated to developing herself as a serious actress rather than a film star. 2005 saw the release of 3 films, the first of which was The Jacket. The complex thriller starring Adrien Brody was derided by critics as unoriginal, silly, and messy. Knightley was taken to task for her American accent but was otherwise dismissed by critics. Next came Tony Scott's Domino, an action film based on the life of bounty hunter Domino Harvey. The film has been Knightley's greatest critical flop to date. Knightley's critics often suggested she was nothing more than a pretty face, which led the young starlet to comment to Elle magazine, “I always feel like I’m the one with everything to prove.” Pride and Prejudice rounded out 2005. For her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet, Knightley received the greatest reviews of her career thus far. Variety wrote: "Looking every bit a star, Knightley, who's shown more spirit than acting smarts so far in her career, really steps up to the plate here, holding her own against the more classically trained Matthew Macfadyen, as well as vets like Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Penelope Wilton, and Judi Dench with a luminous strength that recalls a young Audrey Hepburn. More than the older Jennifer Ehle in the TV series, she catches Elizabeth's essential skittishness and youthful braggadocio, making her final conversion all the more moving." The film grossed more than $100 million worldwide and Knightley earned a Golden Globe nomination and an Oscar nomination (the Oscar ultimately went to Reese Witherspoon). 'Keira Knightley is the third-youngest performer ever nominated for an Academy Award.' BAFTA's decision not to nominate her drew criticism from Pride and Prejudice producer Tim Bevan.
In 2006, Knightley was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Knightley's biggest financial hit thus far, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, was released on July 7, 2006. On June 3, 2007, Knightley was up for an MTV Movie Award for Best Performance but she lost to her co-star, Johnny Depp. 2007 saw the release of several films starring Knightley: Silk, an adaptation of the novel by Alessandro Baricco, Atonement, a feature film adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel of the same name (co-starring James McAvoy, Vanessa Redgrave, and Brenda Blethyn), and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, which was released on May 24, 2007. Knightley's performance in Atonement began to generate buzz before the film was released; she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the Best Dramatic Actress category for the role, as well as a BAFTA. Critic Richard Roeper was puzzled by both Knightley's and McAvoy's Academy Award snubs stating "I thought McAvoy and Knightly were superb."
In the late spring of 2007, Knightley shot The Edge of Love with Cillian Murphy as her husband, Matthew Rhys as her childhood sweetheart, Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, and Sienna Miller as Thomas' wife Caitlin MacNamara. She has received, for the most part, very positive reviews for her role. This 2008 release was penned by her mother, Sharman Macdonald, and directed by John Maybury. She then began work on The Duchess based on the best-selling biography, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Fporeman in which she plays Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire; the film was released in cinemas on September 5, 2008 in the U.K. Knightley has been praised for her portrayal of Georgiana. Critic and Co-Chair of the Toronto International Film Festival, Cameron Bailey, stated that "The Duchess Of Devonshire, with Keira Knightley, which is a beautiful film and she gives a really mature performance. You're seeing her really turn into something beyond the kind of pretty face that we've seen her do already so well. But she's actually a very serious actress and she's turning into a great, great performer." Critic Edward Douglas writes "we were blown away by Keira Knightley's performance in the costume drama The Duchess...Knightley is even better in it than Atonement and Pride & Prejudice." New York Post critic Lou Lumenick writes that in terms of an Oscar nomination, that Knightley "seems a lock for The Duchess" and goes on to say that she "shines" in this role.
Keira's next film roles include King Lear, and the modern drama Last Night in which she will co-star with Eva Mendes, Sam Worthington and Guillaume Canet. It is to be directed by Massy Tadjedin and will start filming in October 2008 in New York.
Lost stars
Keira Knightley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please see me reaching out for someone I can see
Take my hand, let's see where we wake up tomorrow
Best laid plans, sometimes are just a one night stand
I'd be damned, Cupid's demanding back his arrow
So let's get drunk on our tears and
God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
Searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
Who are we? Just a speck of dust within the galaxy
'Woe is me' if we're not careful turns into reality
Don't you dare let all these memories bring you sorrow
Yesterday I saw a lion kiss a deer
Turn the page, maybe we'll find a brand new ending
Where we're dancing in our tears and
God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
It's hunting season and this lamb is on the run
We're searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
I thought I saw you out there crying
I thought I heard you call my name
I thought I heard you out there crying
We're just the same
God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
It's hunting season and this lamb is on the run
We're searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
Are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark
In Keira Knightley's song Lost Stars, the lyrics convey a longing for connection and meaning amidst the chaos of life. The singer pleads with the listener not to underestimate her aspirations, but rather to see her as someone reaching out for someone to share her life with. She implores them to take her hand and see where they end up tomorrow, suggesting that the best plans can sometimes result in disappointment. She acknowledges that Cupid's arrow may have missed its mark, resulting in the need to find comfort in each other's tears.
The chorus of the song poses a philosophical question about the meaning and purpose of life. The listener is left to ponder whether or not we are all just lost stars trying to light up the darkness that surrounds us. The second verse juxtaposes the smallness of our existence in the universe with the potential for overwhelming self-pity. The singer warns against allowing our memories to drag us into sorrow and encourages us to keep turning the page, hoping for a new and better ending.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of vulnerability and honesty about the struggles we all face in life. The imagery of the lion and deer kissing and the call and response sections in the final verse suggest that our similarities outweigh our differences, and we are all in this struggle together.
Line by Line Meaning
Please don't see just a girl caught up in dreams and fantasies
I am not just an illusion. Please see me trying to connect with someone real.
Please see me reaching out for someone I can see
I am asking you to acknowledge my efforts to build a meaningful relationship with someone tangible.
Take my hand, let's see where we wake up tomorrow
Let us take a chance together and pave a new path towards a promising future.
Best laid plans, sometimes are just a one night stand
Despite our intentions, our actions may not align with our goals and we may only have a fleeting experience.
I'd be damned, Cupid's demanding back his arrow
I feel like I have lost my chance at love, and Cupid may now be coming to take away my hope.
So let's get drunk on our tears and
Let us try to cope with our emotions by immersing ourselves in them, even if it ends up being painful.
God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
Why can't we fully appreciate the beauty of our youth until it has already passed us by? What is the reasoning behind this phenomenon?
It's hunting season and this lamb is on the run
Life feels like a game of survival, and I am vulnerable and easily targeted by those who wish to harm me.
Searching for meaning
I am trying to understand my place in this world and what I am meant to do or become.
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
Is our journey in life just a futile attempt to make an impact in a world that may be inherently bleak?
Who are we? Just a speck of dust within the galaxy
We are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, merely a tiny particle in an expansive universe.
'Woe is me' if we're not careful turns into reality
If we allow ourselves to become too consumed by our negative thoughts and emotions, they may become our new reality.
Don't you dare let all these memories bring you sorrow
Do not allow the past to hold you back or bring you pain. Move forward and focus on creating new memories.
Yesterday I saw a lion kiss a deer
I witnessed an unlikely and beautiful moment of harmony and compassion between two normally opposing forces.
Turn the page, maybe we'll find a brand new ending
Let us try to move forward and open ourselves up to new possibilities and outcomes.
Where we're dancing in our tears and
Let us embrace our emotions fully, even if it means dancing while we cry.
I thought I saw you out there crying
I believe I saw someone else going through a difficult time, and it reminded me of my own struggles.
I thought I heard you call my name
I may be projecting my own desires onto someone else, hoping that they are also searching for a connection with me.
We're just the same
Despite our differences, we are all human and experience similar emotions and struggles in life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Nicky John Southwood, Nick P. Lashley, Danielle A. Brisebois, Gregg Alexander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tovan4702
LYRICS
Please don't see
Just a boy caught up in dreams and fantasies
Please see me
Reaching out for someone I can't see
Take my hand, let's see where we wake up tomorrow
Best laid plans sometimes are just a one night stand
I'll be damned, Cupid's demanding back his arrow
So let's get drunk on our tears
And God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
It's hunting season and the lambs are on the run
Searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
Who are we?
Just a speck of dust within the galaxy?
Woe is me
If we're not careful turns into reality
But don't you dare let our best memories bring you sorrow
Yesterday I saw a lion kiss a deer
Turn the page, maybe we'll find a brand new ending
Where we're dancing in our tears
And God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young
It's hunting season and the lambs are on the run
Searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
And I thought I saw you out there crying
And I thought I heard you call my name
And I thought I heard you out there crying
Just the same
And God, give us the reason youth is wasted on the young
It's hunting season and this lamb is on the run
Searching for meaning
But are we all lost stars trying to light ... light up the dark?
And I thought I saw you out there crying
And I thought I heard you call my name
And I thought I heard you out there crying
But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
Are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark?
@deodurant4480
The obvious symbols in this song are stars, constellations, astrological signs (Aries and Leo). I think this is a story between a sheep and lion representing two lovers. Their love seemed ideal, as compatible together as Aries and Leo in horoscopes, but this song is more about separation of two lovers when they were young (“I thought I heard you out there crying”). The singer now wonders if there can be reconciliation, as he is also feeling regretful (“Just the same”).
The song poses a question: No matter the differences between two people, can it ever be that they can still love each other? As it alludes to the Bible, that a lion lie down with a lamb? (“Lion kiss a deer”) There is a similarity here.
The answer: Young love can have partners that are selfish, too idealistic, and believing in fate without compromising. Partners break off their relationship then and there.
Now when he is older, the singer realizes that the relationship he had before was great, and that a truly ideal lover is rare to find. If fate comes once in a million years, the YOUNG lambs who are “searching for meaning” are wasting their youth trying to find it. They are running from the differences (running from lions in the “hunting season”) when they should actually not run away, and make compromises.
In conclusion: Have a little give or compromise in love. Otherwise, it is the common mistake that people make, and become like lost stars. Only a few people will click 100%, like lucky stars in the sky belonging together in a constellation, and who have met fate. The numerous rest of us are just shining.
And does it really matter? You can barely tell apart a constellation from the rest of the stars. The lesson is that there is happiness in love even when it’s not perfect.
-RidingMyBike
July 4, 2015 at 8:55 pm
@nicholasbrandi6109
Adam's version has the passion and performance polish of a professional superstar musician, and that is valuable to be sure. But the gentility, fragility and vulnerability of Keira's version, with its unguarded lack of pretense, is literally exquisite and thoroughly heartbreaking. It seems to capture the purity and uncompromised sincerity of a songwriter with his/her precious material that seems to pour straight from their hearts and onto the page. Adam's version is meant to be performed for a concert hall full of adoring fans; Keira's version is meant to be cherished like a secret jewel... one human heart at a time.
@minhdat94
Nicholas Brandi Well Said
@nicholasbrandi6109
Thank you, Dat. Much obliged! :)
@nicholasbrandi6109
Very kind of you, Sylvana. Thank you. I was pretty jaded when it came to romance movies; this one persuaded me not to give up on originality and sincerity.
@ItsLittleMonica
Nicholas Brandi one of the most beautiful comments I have ever seen. :)
@nicholasbrandi6109
You made my day, Monica! I meant every word. Thank you for your generosity, and have a wonderful day. :)
@orlagrace507
It doesn't matter whose version you prefer, Keira's or Adam's. You just have to remember Gregg Alexander wrote it. He's the real genius here :)
@kamikakushi_
+Orla Grace lol yeah.
And there's this dude Jungkook something that some people keep spamming about lately.
Feel sorry for Gregg for not getting the spotlight haha.
@keprokop
Thank you. Did he write all of these songs?
@mattakubodimasen10
@keprokop i think he did.
There was this time when I was so obsessed with this movie (the calming, breezy, pastel blue vibe/aura of this movie has shaped the based of my perfect moments; my favorite weather is the first day of autumn, when the heat ended and suddenlt the sky is cloudy and cool and still bright enough for me to observe the trees) and I tried to find out everything I could about the songs.
I remembered finding one person who wrote all the songs and continued to search for their works but couldn't find anything!
If anyone knows any of his other works, please tell me!
Also, if you know any movies that are calming, gentle but still so heart-warming and meaningful like Begin Again, please tell me! XD movies like this are absolute gems!!!!