Although I’m beyond the target demographic, I find myself drawn to Girls mainly because Lena Dunham is its driving force. It’s not that the themes resonate with my life as a wife and mother, nor do I crave more youth culture—I’m inundated with it daily. Living in Brooklyn, I’m almost suffocated by the artisanal charm that surrounds me.
I watch the show because Dunham is a talented writer, and I appreciate her character Hannah’s relentless quest to be seen as a Creative Person. I admire her habit of glancing at the ceiling while conversing. I find it amusing that Hannah often sells pretentious ideas while simultaneously critiquing them—something many of us do at various ages. Her anxiety about being unmasked as a fraud, alongside her moments of confidence, resonates with me. I recall my own awkward moments during my MFA program, laughing and cringing at Hannah’s workshop scenes in Iowa.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve outgrown the casual romances and heartbreaks that define a woman in her twenties. Now, my indignities (like rogue hair sprouts) and joys (the bliss of staying in on a quiet night) reflect a different stage of life. Still, I’m captivated by Dunham’s thoughts; they are witty, intelligent, and full of vulnerability. My interest lies less in her relationships or quirks and more in her evolution as an artist and individual.
When a writer can step back and critically yet compassionately evaluate themselves, the outcome is often profound. As long as Dunham continues this introspection, I’ll be intrigued by her work—most recently, an HBO documentary she co-produced with Sarah Collins, titled It’s Me, Veronica, which premieres on March 23rd.
This film, directed by Matt Wolf, tells the story of Veronica Lane, the artist behind the beloved Eloise books by Kay Thompson. It delves into the disintegration of the creative and personal relationship between Lane and Thompson, highlighting the emotional fallout for Lane. This is likely a narrative that many fans of the books aren’t familiar with. Dunham appears in the film, sharing how Lane’s illustrations shaped her own artistic journey.
Dunham’s childhood obsession with Eloise—evidenced by her tattoo and her identification with a character who “doesn’t mind that her belly protrudes”—suggests a deeper connection. Perhaps her desire to depict Lane stems from honoring an artist who, like her, achieved early acclaim but faced significant challenges. It’s a reminder that even talented individuals can encounter setbacks. Lane’s story illustrates the fear, familiar to many of us as we age, that cherished opportunities can slip away.
Now at 88, Lane is still vibrant and creative, making films in his backyard. Though he feels thwarted by the past, he recognizes there’s still much to accomplish. The complex dynamics of his partnership with Thompson and their bitter fallout create a poignant tale about two artistic spirits. We learn that Thompson’s overpowering personality often overshadowed Lane, causing him to feel invisible. As their collaboration deteriorated, it seemed Thompson resented that Lane’s artwork became as closely associated with Eloise as the text itself.
Dunham poignantly notes it felt like “two individuals divorcing over their child, Eloise.” Unfortunately, due to early agreements, Lane is barred from creating anything resembling Eloise without Thompson’s approval. Even after Thompson’s passing, complicated interactions with her estate have made his involvement in future Eloise projects fraught. Despite a successful career illustrating other works and a desire to keep creating, Lane has never recaptured the glory of Eloise.
In the film, cultural commentator Ella North offers a silver lining regarding Lane’s legacy. While it’s frustrating he was pushed out of Eloise’s world, she asserts, “He created something that endures. Very few things last. He made a beautiful work that will always be remembered, and that’s truly special.”
This sentiment resonates with an overachiever and worrier like Dunham, who has expressed that her childhood admiration for Eloise stemmed from her recognition of a character who embodied a sense of belonging. As an artist who has enjoyed her share of accolades, it seems Dunham is motivated to craft a tribute to another deserving creator who may not have received the recognition he deserves.
In conclusion, the complex relationship between creativity and recognition is at the heart of Dunham’s new project, shedding light on the struggles of artists and the lasting impact of their work.
Keyphrase: Lena Dunham and Eloise
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