L.A. Story (1991)

It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly 20 years since I got my first taste of L.A. in the form of a movie.

L.A. Story was released in 1991 and focused on the romantic struggles of Harris K. Telemacher, a meteorologist living in the titular city. The romantic aspects of this movie were the least interesting to me; boy meets girl, boy gets sidetracked by much younger girl, boy comes to his senses and gets girl back. It was fairly generic romantic comedy stuff. Well, except for that talking freeway sign who gave love advice.

What was interesting was all the stuff about Los Angeles. Steve Martin (who wrote the screenplay) poked fun at his city in a very affectionate way. There were lots of easy targets; the beautiful but superficial people, the road rage, the lack of culture, the obsession with money and celebrity, the difficulty of reserving a table at some restaurants and even the health craze. How about a colonic? Anyone?

There were many locations used to shoot the movie but some of my favorite scenes took place at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, otherwise known as the LACMA. If you remember, Mr. Telemacher liked to do performance art in the gallery while his friend videotaped it. This “art” involved Harris roller skating through the exhibits. These scenes had nothing to do with the plot of the movie but they were fun to watch and perhaps showed how Angelenos like to do weird, creative things.

The LACMA isn’t difficult to find and there is easy parking across the street. With validation, the parking  cost me $7.

The cost of the general admission was $12, although on the second Tuesday of every month the admission is FREE!  As you can see from my ticket stub, I found this out a little too late. 

 

As Harris flew by on his roller skates, he passed by this painting.  I have no idea who painted it or what the painting is called but I definitely recognized it from the movie.  I found it hiding in a closed gallery and there was no sign to give me more information. 

Harris passed by other paintings but I guarantee you that The Scream by Edvard Munch was never at the LACMA.   

This masterpiece was obviously shocked at Mr. Telemacher's antics.   

HOW TO GET THERE:  The LACMA is very easy to find.  It's right on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile area of L.A.   As might be expected, it is located on Museum Row. 

WORTH THE TREK?  9/10  Absolutely.  The museum is a good size and if you're a fan of modern art, they have some nice surprises.  There is usually a special exhibit and for the next couple of months, Renoir is in town.  Just a warning though, don't try strapping on a pair of skates.  I'm sure this kind of performance art is strictly forbidden!