Dunham Inspires Natalie Portman To Deal With Criticism

Renowned actress Natalie Portman reveals that she gets inspired by Lena Dunham on dealing with criticism. She added, reading negative reviews about films directed and produced by women, made her rethink about venturing into this by her own.

But, she has been highly inspired by the Girls maker Lena Dunham, and this made her to go ahead with her own directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness. She also said that the very thought of taking up added responsibilities of writing, directing and also acting, made her very scared.

"It's always hard to say because anyone is entitled not to like something. I do think the "vanity project" concept is definitely used more against women."

"I found myself very affected by seeing reviews like that as a kid, growing up...And it made me reluctant to try taking on multiple roles on this film," she said.

"I remember seeing 'Tiny Furniture,' Lena Dunham's film, and when the credits rolled I started crying because it was written by Lena Dunham, starring Lena Dunham, produced by Lena Dunham, and directed by Lena Dunham."

"This young woman has no fear of (saying) 'I did it, I did all of this.' And it was so good. It inspired me to not be afraid of that (criticism)," said Portman.