Dunham inspired me to not be afraid: Portman

Actor Natalie Portman says reading reviews of movies directed by women stopped her from stepping into the shoes, but Girls creator Lena Dunham inspired her to go ahead.

Portman, 35, who is making her feature film directorial debut with A Tale of Love and Darkness, said the thought of taking up all the three jobs- writer, director, and actor- scared her, reported Entertainment Weekly.

“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.

“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),” Portman said.