Keira Knightley has joked that doing something morally wrong might lead to becoming prime minister.
The actress has delved into the debate about whistle-blowing and espionage for her latest film Official Secrets, based on the actions of Katharine Gun.
Ms Gun revealed that the US had been eavesdropping on diplomats from other countries.
Starring Keira Knightley, Matt Smith and Ralph Fiennes, witness the untold true story of one woman’s fight for truth. #OfficialSecrets arrives in cinemas October 18. pic.twitter.com/pFq9Y1UP8X
— Official Secrets (@OSFilmUK) June 12, 2019
Knightley, who plays the whistle-blower, said that far from being punished for wrongdoing, many are rewarded.
She joked: “You might actually get away with it, and progress.
“You could actually be promoted and rewarded – and be prime minister.”
The actress hopes her latest film will explore these areas of moral ambiguity, and give the audience something to think about.
She believes the issue of whether whistle-blowers should be punished or rewarded is an important one.
Knightley said: “How much do we want our secret services to be morally accountable for their actions, how much is that possible, should people be whistle-blowing, should that information come out?
“Would I be brave enough? Would I do right to do the same? Or would I just do what I was told?
“I don’t know what the answer to that is, but I find all of the answers to those questions really interesting.”
Official Secrets is in cinemas from Friday October 18.