Tiny Furniture 2010: A Look Back at Lena Dunham’s Debut Film

If you’re a fan of independent films, you might have heard of the 2010 movie “Tiny Furniture.” Written, directed, and starring Lena Dunham, the film is a comedy-drama that explores the struggles of a recent college graduate as she navigates life back at home in New York.

The film premiered at the South by Southwest festival, where it won the award for Best Narrative Feature. It went on to screen at several other festivals and was released theatrically later that year. Despite its small budget and relatively unknown cast, “Tiny Furniture” received critical acclaim and helped launch Dunham’s career in the film industry.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the making of “Tiny Furniture,” its themes and reception, and answer some frequently asked questions about the film. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of why this indie gem has become a beloved cult classic.

Key Takeaways

• “Tiny Furniture” is a 2010 comedy-drama film written, directed, and starring Lena Dunham.
• The film won the award for Best Narrative Feature at the South by Southwest festival and received critical acclaim.
• “Tiny Furniture” explores the struggles of a recent college graduate as she adjusts to life back at home in New York.

Making of Tiny Furniture

Concept and Development

The concept for Tiny Furniture came from Lena Dunham’s own experiences as a recent college graduate struggling to find her place in the world. She wrote the script while studying at Oberlin College, where she majored in creative writing and film.

Dunham’s vision for the film was to create a realistic portrayal of a young woman’s life in New York City, focusing on the challenges of post-college life and the complexities of relationships. She drew inspiration from her own relationships with her mother and younger sister, who both appear in the film.

Casting and Characters

Dunham cast herself as the lead character, Aura, and also cast her real-life mother, artist Laurie Simmons, as Aura’s mother. Her sister, Grace Dunham, was cast as Aura’s younger sister, Nadine.

Jemima Kirke, a childhood friend of Dunham’s, was cast as Aura’s best friend, Charlotte. The rest of the cast was made up of mostly unknown actors.

Dunham’s decision to cast her family and friends in the film gave it a personal touch and added to the film’s authenticity.

Production Details

Tiny Furniture was made on a shoestring budget of just $50,000, which was raised through a Kickstarter campaign. The film was shot entirely in New York City, with most of the scenes taking place in Dunham’s own loft apartment.

The film was shot on a Canon EOS 7D camera, which allowed for a low-budget, indie look. The cinematography, done by Jody Lee Lipes, was praised for its naturalistic style.

Despite its low budget and lack of star power, Tiny Furniture was a critical success, winning the Best Narrative Feature award at the South by Southwest Film Festival and launching Dunham’s career as a writer and director.

Themes and Reception

Cultural Impact

Released in 2010, Tiny Furniture, directed by Lena Dunham, tells the story of a young woman who returns home after graduating from college with a film theory degree. The film explores themes of relationships, adulthood, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Tiny Furniture became a cult internet star, and Dunham gained recognition as an internet star before becoming a household name.

Critical Analysis

Tiny Furniture was well received by critics, who praised its authentic portrayal of post-college life and relationships. The film’s comedy was also noted, with critics praising its ability to balance humour with the serious themes it explores.

Distribution and Legacy

Tiny Furniture premiered at South by Southwest, where it won the award for Best Narrative Feature. The film was later distributed by IFC Films and gained a following through its release on Prime Video. Tiny Furniture was added to the Criterion Collection in 2021, cementing its place in cinema history.

Overall, Tiny Furniture is a well-crafted film that explores important themes in an authentic and humorous way. Lena Dunham’s direction and writing are impressive, and the film’s cultural impact is a testament to its quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch ‘Tiny Furniture’?

You can watch ‘Tiny Furniture’ on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and iTunes. You can also rent or buy the film on DVD.

Who are the cast members of ‘Tiny Furniture’?

The main cast members of ‘Tiny Furniture’ are Lena Dunham, who also wrote and directed the film, Laurie Simmons, Grace Dunham, Rachel Howe, Merritt Wever, and Amy Seimetz.

Can you explain the ending of ‘Tiny Furniture’?

The ending of ‘Tiny Furniture’ is open to interpretation, as it leaves many questions unanswered. Some viewers see it as a hopeful ending, while others interpret it as a more ambiguous or even pessimistic conclusion.

How much did ‘Tiny Furniture’ cost to produce?

The film was made on a shoestring budget of around $50,000, which was funded by Dunham’s parents and a Kickstarter campaign.

What is the plot of the film ‘Tiny Furniture’?

‘Tiny Furniture’ follows the story of Aura, a recent college graduate who returns home to New York City and struggles to find her place in the world. She deals with relationships, family, and career choices in a comedic and poignant way.

Where was ‘Tiny Furniture’ filmed?

The film was shot in various locations in New York City, including the Tribeca neighbourhood, where Aura’s mother’s loft is located. The film’s intimate and naturalistic style captures the essence of the city and its people.