"Colette was a pioneer in saying that women did have sexuality... she was truly fascinating," says Keira Knightley, who plays the writer who revolutionized Parisian society in the 1920s in the film Colette.
“It's not a common biopic," continues Knightley in reference to this film directed by Wash Westmoreland that focuses on Colette’s artistic and sexual awakening, while revealing the secrets of her tortuous first marriage.
"It's not about her whole life, but a specific moment, very special, and that's what I loved about the script and the movie," explains this well-known English actress who adds: "I was also fascinated by the idea of playing someone so progressive for her time. Colette was sexually free, which was really impressive for the time." "Also, we cannot forget that with her literature she created the concept of teenager that did not exist before," concluded the actress who confesses great admiration for the character she plays.
A story of liberation
Westmoreland’s film recreates the beginnings of Colette's career, at a time when she was made invisible by her husband (played by Dominic West) by signing the novels that she wrote herself as his own.
