Is there such a thing as innocent flirting? “That’s a very good question,” says Keira Knightley. “Maybe there is innocent flirting, and that’s completely fine.” We’re discussing a scene in “Last Night,” her new indie film about a young, seemingly perfect married couple in New York City who are tempted to cheat.
In it, her character, Joanna, runs into her old boyfriend (Guillaume Canet) and agrees to have a drink with him. Between nervous laughter and longing stares, their spark reignites. Meanwhile, Joanna’s husband (Sam Worthington) is on a business trip with a sultry coworker (Eva Mendes) he’s lusting after. Nightcaps are involved.
The movie, which expands to more theaters Friday and can currently be seen On Demand, is the kind that leads to heavy discussion after the credits roll, especially about what’s worse — a physical or emotional affair?
“Personally, I suspect that emotional betrayal is what would actually break something,” says Knightley. “The physical betrayal I think you can weirdly come back from … possibly.” She pauses. “I’m not sure. I think different people at different points in their life will be completely different,” she considers. “I think that’s what’s sort of so magical about the piece itself. My opinion changed from the beginning to the middle to the end — and continues to change.”
On stranger tides
Knightley was living in Paris, taking a break from work (she’s not part of the latest installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise that made her a household name) when “Last Night” director and friend Massy Tadjedin flew to meet the actress and convince her to work on it.
» “I took it because I thought the script was extraordinary. I also took it because I think Massy is extraordinary,” says Knightley.
» “She’s so unbelievably passionate and unbelievably intelligent, and the fact that she’s a true — I’m going to sound like a wanker — she’s a true artist. And it’s completely inspiring to be around people like that.”
Follow Tina Chadha on Twitter @TinaatMetro.
