by millennial pink feminist
In Joan Didion’s memoir, The White Album, Didion paints a vividly depressing image of an “All-American” California at the close of the 1970s. She analyzes the annihilation of taste in the wake of the country’s turn to conservatism and the suppression of authenticity in exchange for cheap, gaudy reproductions of what once was, and brilliantly captures the dwindling of American sensibilities through her savage critique of The Getty Villa. True to form, in this section of her iconic novel, Didion creates a meticulously descriptive narrative about the Villa that is both intoxicating and disturbing. By reflecting on the museum, Didion conveys the perverse nature of a palatial estate consistent with the aesthetics of a strip mall being masked as a cultural outlet. The Getty Villa’s ode to the past, through its tacky ancient styling, directly exterminates any inkling of history, tradition, and taste that it is supposed to espouse. Didion describes all of this against the insipid backdrop of whitewashed American modernity. A truly gross and perfect prelude to Reagan’s America.
After reading Didion’s story, I had to experience this Pantheon of trash for myself. It was every bit as gaudy and tragic as advertised. The villa is huge and looks like it is held together by chicken wire and plaster. It easily could have been a temporary exhibition of a Greco-Roman fantasyland in the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. There are various gardens and long fountain pools with walkways on either side; both adorned with replicas of Greek and Roman deities. The material of said replicas is unknown to me (didn’t care to find out), but safe to say something between vinyl, plaster, and discarded clay from local student art projects.
The collection, though authentic (or so we are led to believe…), is not nearly interesting enough to justify people going who aren’t there to explicitly see this American tragedy. Random marble statues and busts by unknown Roman d-listers line the hallways. Enough said on that.
The Getty Villa is essentially a Cheesecake Factory on speed in terms of size and financial backing. Besides that, it ranks far below any Cheesecake Factory I’ve been to. At the Villa, you can’t indulge in a delightful spinach dip and Chardonnay while enjoying plastic Greek-inspired glories. Also, cell service at the Villa is spotty AF. Where is all the funding going, exactly?
In conclusion, the Getty Villa is gross. However, I think if you can get stoned and sneak in some Cheesecake Factory leftovers, you will have a delightful time. There are plenty of places to sit. Did I mention the Roman amphitheater-designed steps surrounding the entrance to the museum?? So great. But again, no cell service….Ok, so get stoned, bring food, don’t lose your friends, and have a ball!