(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Keira Knightley was told to "shut up and stop pouting" while shooting Pride & Prejudice.

The actress portrayed Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 movie, which was directed by Joe Wright. Joe knew exactly how he wanted Keira to play the character, meaning at times he was tough on her. She is thankful for that though, as by pushing he got an amazing result.

"Shut your mouth and stop doing the pout!' he was yelling at me," she laughed.

Keira's acting style has been criticised in the past and she is constantly asked how it feels to be told she lacks talent. She knows the movies she's been in aren't for everyone, but does find it hard when people say she is wooden.

It's especially tough when people involved in film believe what they hear about her. Keira explained she had to prove herself to director John Maybury when she wanted a part in 2005's The Jacket because he wasn't convinced about her abilities.

"He didn't want to hire me, his producers forced him to meet me. He finally met me and said, I am sorry but I don't think you know how to act,'" she revealed to the French edition of Grazia.

The 26-year-old believes part of her problem is she hasn't "played the game" needed to be popular and famous. She knows many are only interested in celebrities who fall out of nightclubs having drunk too much alcohol or who favour skimpy attire, and that's not her.

"I didn't play their game, and they were furious," she added. (C) Cover Media