The Greatness of Sharon Rooney’s “My Mad Fat Diary” and Its Impact on Teen TV
In Greta Gerwig’s highly successful film “Barbie,” each character has their own unique backstory, just like the actresses who portray them, such as Sharon Rooney from the acclaimed show “My Mad Fat Diary.” This British series, set in the mid-to-late ’90s, follows a teenage girl’s journey towards self-love and stars Sharon Rooney alongside a young Jodie Comer. “My Mad Fat Diary” stands out for its portrayal of adolescence, blending drama and comedy while presenting relatable characters, realistic sexuality, and an honest depiction of mental illness.
While Sharon Rooney’s character, Lawyer Barbie, may not have a significant role on screen in “Barbie,” her previous work on “My Mad Fat Diary” deserves recognition. Rooney played the lead in this critically acclaimed show, which aired from 2013 to 2015 on E4. The series follows a mentally ill teenage girl named Rae on her journey towards self-acceptance. Alongside Rooney, Jodie Comer, known for her Emmy-winning role in “Killing Eve,” portrays the important character of Chloe, Rae’s childhood best friend.
“My Mad Fat Diary” is based on the journals of author Rae Earl, with Tom Bidwell, Laura Neal, and George Kay handling the adaptation. Set in the ’90s, the show explores the life of a fictionalized version of Rae, played by a young Sharon Rooney. The story begins with Rae leaving a psychiatric institution after a suicide attempt, brought on by years of self-loathing and a binge-centered eating disorder. Back in the outside world, Rae has to balance her new group of friends, her overbearing mother, and her continued treatment with Dr. Kester, portrayed by Ian Hart.
What sets “My Mad Fat Diary” apart is its genre – a perfect blend of drama and comedy, or dramedy. Unlike many other teen-centric shows, “My Mad Fat Diary” captures the bittersweetness of adolescence by allowing its characters to navigate between extremes. Rae is an incredibly relatable character, laughing at herself in the face of mental illness, yet suffering deeply from her insecurities. The show seamlessly transitions from light-hearted moments to despair, portraying the unpredictable nature of both coming-of-age and mental health.
This incredible portrayal is not only due to the excellent writing by Bidwell, Neal, and Kay, but also to Sharon Rooney’s exceptional performance. Rooney brings authenticity and empathy to her character, making Rae’s struggles feel real and inviting understanding. Even when Rae displays unlikable traits, Rooney’s portrayal ensures that audiences never lose sight of her vulnerability.
Another standout aspect of “My Mad Fat Diary” is its portrayal of teenage sexuality. While other shows often tend to fetishize teenagers, “My Mad Fat Diary” presents its characters’ sexuality without objectifying them. Rae openly discusses her attraction to Chloe and her desires, but the camera never leers or exploits these scenes. Instead, the focus is on Rae’s emotions and experiences as she navigates these new feelings.
Aside from its nuanced depiction of adolescence, “My Mad Fat Diary” also takes a refreshing approach to its portrayal of mental illness. The show recognizes that individuals with mental health problems are still multifaceted human beings, capable of humor, intelligence, laughter, and tears. It strikes a delicate balance between comedy and drama, avoiding tasteless jokes or excessive tragedy. The result is an authentic portrayal of mental health that feels organic and relatable. “My Mad Fat Diary” was well-received by critics and even earned a Best Drama Series nomination at the BAFTAs. However, it remains relatively unknown outside of the UK.
As Sharon Rooney gains attention for her role in “Barbie,” now is the perfect time to discover the brilliance of “My Mad Fat Diary.” All three seasons of this remarkable show are available for streaming on Hulu. So, dive into the world of Rae Earl and experience the power of “My Mad Fat Diary” for yourself.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
