Filmmakers defend Keira Knightley from 'Begin Again' director's criticism

Keira Knightley's acting chops have been defended by two directors in wake of "Begin Again" writer-director John Carneytrashing her performance in the 2014 Weinstein Company release.

"My experience with #keiraknightley was utterly spectacular on every level. I have no clue what this guy is talking about. #arrogants–thead," director Mark Romanek ("Never Let Me Go") tweeted Monday.

Lorene Scafaria ("Seeking a Friend for the End of the World") also offered praise. "I agree with Mark. Keira was a joy to work w/. Present & easy & really, really good at her job. Just lovely," she tweeted.

Also Read:'Begin Again' Director Bashes Keira Knightley's Acting

Carney didn't mince words when he recalled working with Knightley in a recent interview.

See photos of Keira Knightley through the years:

"I'll never make a film with supermodels again," the Irish filmmaker said, in reference to the many distractions the 31-year-old actress — a frequent fashion magazine cover model who also appears in ads for Chanel — brought to the film set.

He went on to criticize the two-time Oscar nominee's acting ability. "I don't want to rubbish Keira, but you know it's hard being a film actor and it requires a certain level of honesty and self-analysis that I don't think she's ready for yet and I certainly don't think she was ready for on that film," Carney said.

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Carney saved the praise for his male "Begin Again" stars. He called Mark Ruffalo "fantastic," and said Adam Levine was "a joy to work with."

But he also took more jabs at Knightley: "Keira's thing is to hide who you are and I don't think you can be an actor and do that... It's not like I hate the Hollywood thing but I like to work with curious, proper film actors as opposed to movie stars."

See the supportive tweets below.

Read original story Filmmakers Defend Keira Knightley From 'Begin Again' Director's Criticism At TheWrap