Keira Knightley is a versatile actress who has been seen in everything from blockbusters to indies to period films. Throughout her career, she has been in films where she has been seen nude and in sex scenes. Now, since having children, she added a no-nudity clause to her contract. During an episode of the Chanel Connects podcast, the Oscar-nominated actress talked to filmmaker Lulu Wang and producer/journalist Diane Solway about how she is no longer willing to do nude or sex scenes — specifically with male directors.
“It’s partly vanity and also it’s the male gaze,” she said on the podcast. “I feel very uncomfortable now trying to portray the male gaze.”
She understands that some directors need “somebody to look hot” and there are those “horrible sex scenes where you’re all greased up and everybody’s grunting”. For Knightley, she is at a point in her career where she is no longer interested in doing that. She understands the value of these types of scenes but she said that they can find someone else.
“I’m too vain and the body has had two children now and I’d just rather not stand in front of a group of men naked,” she said.
Knightley isn’t totally opposed to nude scenes. She said she would feel different if it was a story about that journey of motherhood and body acceptance — but she said it would have to be with a female filmmaker.
“I don’t have an absolute ban,” said Knightley, “but I kind of do with men.”
Jan. 28 2021 |
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Jan. 16 2021 |
At the beginning of quarantine, everyone hopped on Instagram Live, including the fashion industry. Designers sought out new ways to connect with their customers digitally in every form imaginable. They streamed concerts performed by brand ambassadors. Digital workshops were held on Zoom, teaching us how to illustrate like an artist. Your favorite creative directors shared Spotify playlists. Luxury footwear brands created virtual coloring books of their iconic shoes.
The content we consumed in the early stages of the pandemic eventually waned, and it became clear that the oversaturation of fashion’s digital programming needed to slow down. Now that we’ve recovered, we’re ready for more. Today, after almost a year in lockdown, Chanel is launching a podcast.
The French fashion label is debuting “Chanel Connects,” which brings together creatives for intimate conversations on subjects relevant to everyone, whether you own a Flap bag or not. The brand tapped celebrities we’ve spotted at their runway shows, along with architects, painters, and dancers. Participants range from front row darlings like Tilda Swinton, Keira Knightley, and Pharrell Williams to renowned artists Arthur Jafa and Jennifer Packer.
“While galleries, stages and studios have been dark, artists have not stopped creating and imagining new ways forward,” said Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts and Culture at Chanel. She points out that the series seeks to address the collective existential crises artists are experiencing, while serving as a reminder to continue “supporting the arts, championing what’s next and celebrating work that has the power to transform lives and wider society.”
The podcast pairs creatives to not only reflect on the struggles of 2020, but the unique challenges that lie ahead in 2021. Hard topics are examined, including recalibrating your imagination during a pandemic, accelerating equality for disenfranchised groups, Black Lives Matter and Black representation, art as activism and escapism, and even living on Mars.
“Our phones have made us incredibly dependent on the word ‘yes’. And because of that, we’ve become opportunistic,” Pharrell Williams tells Es Devlin in episode three. “We search for the sweetness of what we want to hear. You don’t have to change. So, if you don’t have to change, you don’t necessarily have to elevate for what’s right. And I think now for the first time, mankind has seen its reflection in the water of the internet.” “Chanel Connects” aims to make you stop and listen, so maybe that reflection is a little clearer.
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