Love Actually’s Creepy Kiss Revealed: Keira Knightley Agrees with Public’s Worst Fears

The Creepy, Awkward, and Still Romantic "Love Actually" Moment

Keira Knightley’s Thoughts on Her Infamous Scene

Love Actually, the holiday classic, is known for its mix of vulnerability, sentimentality, and a dash of awkwardness. One scene in particular still has audiences cringing to this day: Mark’s (Andrew Lincoln) epic confession to Juliet (Keira Knightley) about his feelings for her.

The Scene That Makes Us Squirm

The moment comes near the end of the film, when Mark shows up at Juliet and her husband Peter’s (Chiwetel Ejiofor) house on Christmas Eve. With boombox in hand, he delivers a heartfelt, albeit slightly stalker-ish, presentation explaining his feelings and why he’ll put them aside to be friends.

Keira Knightley’s Take on the Situation

In a recent interview with the L.A. Times, Knightley revealed her thoughts on the infamous scene. "The slightly stalkerish aspect of it—I do remember that," she said. However, she also recalled being 17 at the time of filming and having a director, Richard Curtis, who made her feel more at ease. "Richard Curtis, who is now a very dear friend, of me doing the scene, and him going, ‘No, you’re looking at [Lincoln] like he’s creepy,’ and I’m like [in a dramatic whisper], ‘But it is quite creepy.’"

Was It Creepy? Was It Romantic?

Looking back, it’s hard not to see the scene as a bit creepy. Mark’s actions, while romanticized in the film, could be perceived as invasive and controlling. Additionally, Knightley’s youthful age at the time adds an extra layer of awkwardness. However, the scene is shot and edited to make us see it as romantic and endearing. The question remains: Was it creepy, or was it just a product of its time?

Knightley’s Reflections on Her Experience

In a candid conversation with the L.A. Times, Knightley discussed the impact of her early success on her personal life. "I had a five-year period between the age of 17 and 21-ish, and I’m never going to have that kind of success again," she said. "It totally set me up for life. Did it come at a cost? Yes, it did. It came at a big cost. Knowing the cost, could I, in all good conscience, say to my kid, you should do that? No. But am I grateful for it? Yes. But then that’s life, isn’t it?"

The Verdict

Love Actually’s most infamous scene may still raise eyebrows, but it’s undeniable that it’s become a hallmark of the film’s endearing awkwardness. Despite the creep factor, Knightley’s performance and the scene’s execution make it a memorable and, in its own way, romantic moment.