Keira Knightley hasn't watched 'Love Actually' since its premiere — so fan quotes mean 'nothing' to her

When fans lock eyes with Keira Knightley and begin reciting lines from 'Love Actually,' something is lost in translation. The actress, who played Juliet in the 2003 Christmas film, says she cannot place the quotes — because she has not watched the movie since the night it premiered, more than two decades ago.

I have not watched Love Actually since the premiere, which was when I was 18.— Keira Knightley, actress

Knightley made the admission during an interview with Heart radio while promoting 'Black Doves' Season 2, her spy thriller drama on Netflix. She described a now-familiar social dynamic: fans approach her with a recognizable expression, begin speaking — and she has no idea what they are saying.

I know that people have a particular look on their face and then they say things to me and I know that means they're quoting Love Actually, but I don't really know what it is. It means nothing to me.— Keira Knightley, actress

The explanation is straightforward: Knightley was 17 when she filmed her scenes, and the shoot lasted just one week. She plays Juliet, who marries Peter — played by Chiwetel Ejiofor — and later becomes the object of silent devotion from Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln.

It was a week when I was 17, so I don't remember it really.— Keira Knightley, actress

She was not dismissive of the film's place in popular culture, however. Despite her own blank when it comes to the script, Knightley said she appreciates what the movie has become for audiences.

I mean, I quite like that it has this life, this, such a big life out there.— Keira Knightley, actress

Knightley did return to the 'Love Actually' world once — she appeared in a partial cast reunion sketch for Comic Relief in 2017. Her current focus is 'Black Doves,' in which she stars alongside Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire, now in its second series on Netflix.

Why it matters — It's a reminder that the actors inside beloved cultural touchstones often have the least connection to them — and that a film's mythology can outgrow the people who made it.

Reported by variety.com, ew.com, faroutmagazine.co.uk