Jennifer Connelly Discusses Challenges of On-Screen Nudity in American Pastoral

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Jennifer Connelly played Dawn Dwyer Levov, a former beauty queen and wife of Seymour, in the 2016 American crime-drama film American Pastoral. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Philip Roth that you can buy on Amazon.

Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, and Evan Rachel Wood were all cast in the lead roles of American Pastoral in 2004, but they all dropped out of the project before filming began.

The film spent many years in development, and it was not until 2014 that Ewan McGregor signed on to play the lead role of Swede Levov.

Jennifer Connelly also returned to the film to play Dawn Levov, and Dakota Fanning was cast as their daughter, Merry.

Jennifer Connelly as Dawn Dwyer Levov and Ewan McGregor as Seymour "Swede" Levov in the 2016 American crime-drama film American PastoralJennifer Connelly as Dawn Dwyer Levov and Ewan McGregor as Seymour “Swede” Levov in the 2016 American crime-drama film American Pastoral (Credit: Lionsgate)

In an interview with The Times, Jennifer Connelly discussed her experience filming a nude scene for “American Pastoral,” where she wore a hairpiece to resemble the 1960s pubic hairstyle.

The scene was challenging for Connelly, who confessed to feeling exposed and embarrassed by the hairpiece. After filming the scene, she retreated to her trailer.

“In my new film, American Pastoral, there’s a scene where I’m naked and dancing around freely in a state by myself before I am committed.”

“I felt exposed in a lot of ways. Because it is set in the Sixties, I had an enormous wig on my crotch, which was so embarrassing.”

“I have never done anything like it before. After they shouted cut, I just hid in my trailer.”

Jennifer Connelly’s Tribal Chic Red Carpet Look

Jennifer Connelly has her ups and downs when it comes to red carpet fashion. In early 2016, she seemed to love her Louis Vuitton boots and wore them with practically everything.

Jennifer Connelly showcased her impeccable style at the "American Pastoral" premiere during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, elegantly adorned in an ensemble by Louis Vuitton, designed by Nicolas GhesquièreJennifer Connelly showcased her impeccable style at the “American Pastoral” premiere during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, elegantly adorned in an ensemble by Louis Vuitton, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière (Credit: WENN)

At the Toronto International Film Festival Premiere of “American Pastoral,” however, the actress took a break from boots to put on some sexy sandals.

Jennifer Connelly was 45 years old on September 9, 2016, the day of the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of "American Pastoral"Jennifer Connelly was 45 years old on September 9, 2016, the day of the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of “American Pastoral” (Credit: WENN)

The 45-year-old donned a leather and shell-embellished Louis Vuitton maxi dress that gave off a tribal chic vibe.

Jennifer Connelly stunned in a leather and shell-embellished Louis Vuitton maxi dress, exuding a tribal eleganceJennifer Connelly stunned in a leather and shell-embellished Louis Vuitton maxi dress, exuding a tribal elegance (Credit: WENN)

The Labyrinth actress paired the zip dress with black and gold ankle-strap sandals. She kept her hair down and wore light makeup to finish her look.

Jennifer Connelly in a Louis Vuitton dress and ankle strap sandals for the Toronto International Film Festival Premiere of "American Pastoral"Jennifer Connelly in a Louis Vuitton dress and ankle strap sandals for the Toronto International Film Festival Premiere of “American Pastoral” on September 9, 2016, at the Princess of Wales Theatre (Credit: WENN)

Jennifer Connelly shows off her feet in black and gold ankle-strap sandalsJennifer Connelly shows off her feet in black and gold ankle-strap sandals