The movie Knight and Day is titled as a clever play on the English idiom "night and day," which perfectly encapsulates the contrasting personalities and dynamic relationship between its two main characters, June Havens and Roy Miller.
The title leverages the homophone "Knight" in place of "Night" to allude to Roy Miller, a secret agent who often acts as a heroic, almost "knight-like" figure, protecting June and navigating them through perilous situations. This substitution highlights the constant action, the protective nature of Roy, and the adventurous journey the pair undertakes together.
The idiom "night and day" is commonly used to describe two things that are polar opposites of each other. In Knight and Day, this idiom effectively illustrates the initial stark differences between June, an ordinary woman, and Roy, a highly skilled operative living in a world of espionage. Despite their vastly different lives and temperaments, they are thrown into a whirlwind of events, constantly interacting and often clashing, much like the perpetual and distinct nature of night and day. Their journey together sees their contrasting worlds merge, creating a unique and often humorous dynamic.
Evolution of the Title
Before settling on the widely recognized title Knight and Day, the film underwent several name changes during its development phase. The earlier working titles included:
- Wichita: This original title may have referred to a key location or an initial plot concept for the film.
- Trouble Man: This alternative title likely focused more on Roy Miller's character as a source of, or solution to, the constant peril and chaotic situations encountered in the movie.
Ultimately, Knight and Day was chosen for its witty wordplay and its ability to succinctly capture the essence of the film's central themes: the inherent opposition and eventual connection between its protagonists, set against a backdrop of relentless action.
