Lena Dunham inspired me: Natalie Portman

Actress Natalie Portman says she is thankful to Lena Dunham for helping her deal with criticism better.
The "Black Swan" star credits the "Girls" actress for inspiring her to not worry about the negative responses she can get, reported Entertainment Weekly.
"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, when Barbra Streisand directed 'The Mirror Has Two Faces' [in 1996]," Portman said.
"I remember, as a 12-year-old, reading reviews saying it was a 'vanity project' and talking about how she lights herself and stuff, and it made me reluctant to try taking on multiple roles on this film. To be a writer, director, and actress, I was like, 'Oh my God, they're going to kill me for this!'

"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.