Lena Dunham: From NYC to London, Redefining Romance and Body Positivity
Lena Dunham, a name almost synonymous with the vibrant energy of New York City, has ventured across the Atlantic for her latest project. The acclaimed US actress, writer, and director, best known for her semi-autobiographical series “Girls,” which captured the essence of four young women navigating life, love, and friendship in the Big Apple, has now set her sights on London.
Her new Netflix rom-com, “Too Much,” loosely based on her experiences over the past few years, offers a fresh perspective on romance and self-discovery. The series follows Jessica (played by Megan Stalter), who relocates from New York to London after a difficult breakup. In the bustling British capital, she finds an unexpected connection with a punk musician named Felix (Will Sharpe). Jessica’s journey mirrors Dunham’s own move to London in 2021, immersing her in the city’s unique culture, from the universal love for Paddington Bear to the passionate debates surrounding Jaffa Cakes, firmly establishing them as biscuits.
While “Too Much” shares superficial similarities with Dunham’s life, she clarifies that it is only about 5% autobiographical, with Jessica being her own distinct character. “I didn’t see myself ever playing the show’s protagonist in the way I did in Girls,” Dunham stated in an interview with the BBC. Actress Megan Stalter, who plays Jessica, noted the shift in focus from the explicit themes of “Girls” to the romantic narrative of “Too Much,” a sentiment echoed by Dunham herself.
The decision to step further behind the camera, rather than taking center stage as an actor, stems from Dunham’s past experiences. During the filming of “Girls” in her twenties, her body faced intense public scrutiny. “Just being perceived was overwhelming,” she confessed, citing body shaming as a significant factor in her shift towards writing-focused projects. This move allowed her to create narratives without the pressure of her own image being constantly dissected.
Dunham believes that while society has made progress in promoting body positivity, deeply ingrained issues of fatphobia, misogyny, racism, and ageism continue to shape our perceptions of our bodies. At 39, Dunham has been open about her health struggles, including a hysterectomy at age 31 due to endometriosis. Despite these challenges, she has cultivated a healthier relationship with her body, one that exists independently of cultural pressures.
“I’ve been able to have a relationship with my body that exists outside of the cultural pressures and I feel lucky for that,” she shared, highlighting a profound personal evolution.
The actress also reflected on her past controversies, including her initial defense of “Girls” writer Murray Miller against sexual assault allegations in 2017, for which she later apologized, admitting it was “absolutely the wrong time” to share her perspective. Miller denied the claims and was not charged. Dunham also apologized for a podcast comment comparing herself to a woman who had undergone an abortion. She now recognizes the importance of allowing herself space and acknowledging her own complexities, a lesson learned through experience and maturity.
“I thought, back then, it was important to just keep going and be tough no matter what happened,” she reflected. “I was so focused on work and not letting any of the noise in but I wish I had allowed myself to take more time and space. We all have to acknowledge our own complexities and sensitivities but it’s hard to wrap your head around that when you’re in your 20s.”
‘I’ve Felt Like I’m Too Much’
The 10-episode series “Too Much” features a compelling cast, including Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe, known for his roles in “The White Lotus” and “A Real Pain.” Sharpe, 38, relates to his character’s vulnerability in new relationships, acknowledging that “everyone carries baggage from their previous relationship.”
Stalter, 34, also finds common ground with her character, Jessica. She shared that in her twenties, she often “felt like she was too much,” but with time, she has grown to embrace and be proud of who she is. This sentiment resonates deeply with the show’s exploration of self-acceptance and confidence.
Written in collaboration with Dunham’s husband, musician Luis Felber, “Too Much” delves into the evolution of a romantic relationship with refreshing authenticity. The series realistically portrays both serious conversations between Jessica and Felix and the practicalities of life, such as Jessica’s media salary accommodating a home in East London rather than a more central, upscale location.
When asked for dating advice for women in their twenties, Dunham reflected on how the dating landscape has changed since her own experiences in the late 2000s, when meeting someone online was less common. She now advises focusing on understanding one’s own desires rather than succumbing to societal expectations.
“If I was letting myself understand my own desire, my 20s would have looked really different romantically,” she admitted.
“Too Much” is released on Netflix on July 10.
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