KEIRA KNIGHTLEY

Keira Knightley has never been one to adhere to the rulebook. Shooting to blockbuster stardom as a teenager, she survived the glare of the spotlight, and character work and Oscar nominations duly followed. Ahead of the release of Misbehaviour – the true tale of a Miss World contest disrupted by activists – Total Film meets the English star unafraid of shaking things up.

- MATT MAYTUM

It’s a crisp February day when Total Film catches up with Keira Knightley in London (“My favourite”, as she describes the capital). Her latest film, Misbehaviour, tells the true story of an activist group sabotaging the 1970 Miss World ceremony, which was watched by over 100 million TV viewers. “You really realise that it was such a ballsy move,” she grins. “Going in and disrupting something that is literally the biggest show on Earth.” It’s a feminist, socially conscious film, delivered with a light touch. It’s easy to see what attracted Knightley to the role of real-life historian and activist Sally Alexander.

The 34-year-old British star became one of the most famous people in the UK, practically overnight, starring in surprise 2003 hit Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. But after the literal rollercoaster ride of that experience (and its sequels), Knightley has largely shied away from blockbuster material in favour of period pieces, indies, and, especially recently, dramas with pertinent messages (Colette, Official Secrets), choosing films by her own taste rather than an agent’s masterplan. “If it’s small budget, you have to hit the ground running, and just go for it,” beams Knightley. “You just have to dive in.”

Growing up in the public eye, Knightley faced all the negative attention that entails; she recently admitted to having a breakdown aged 22, when she was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. But despite allowing herself a couple of periods of respite, her work ethic has never slackened, and she has also spoken out on a number of issues.