Greta Garbo’s Profound Loneliness
In the annals of Hollywood history, Greta Garbo stands as an enigmatic figure, known for her beauty, talent, and profound loneliness. Sotheby’s recent auction of a collection of her letters has shed new light on the actress’s inner struggles and dissatisfaction with her life in the limelight.
Unveiling Garbo’s Solitude
Despite her iconic status, Greta Garbo harbored a deep sense of solitude. Her letters, addressed to her close friend Marta Wachtmeister, reveal her disdain for the relentless attention of the press and her longing for a life away from the spotlight.
“I drive to the beach and take walks and that’s always marvelous. But that’s it,” Garbo wrote in 1939, expressing her dissatisfaction with her life in California.
Hollywood’s Dissatisfaction
Garbo’s letters also expose her frustration with her career. While she achieved great success in Hollywood, she often expressed apathy and disappointment with the films she made.
“I’m half-done with Christina now and half-done is what she’s going to be when she’s finished,” she wrote about one of her most famous films, Queen Christina.
A Longing for Sweden
Amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Garbo’s heart yearned for her native Sweden, particularly for Tistad Castle, the home of the Wachtmeister family.
“About summers there when it rains and that marvelous melancholy enfolds us,” she wrote, reminiscing about her childhood in Sweden.
Retreat from the Spotlight
As Garbo’s fame grew, she increasingly retreated from public view. Her inscrutable demeanor and aversion to the media earned her the nickname “the Swedish sphinx.”
“On top of all the other absurdities, they’re marrying me for the 759th time,” she observed in a letter, expressing her frustration with the constant speculation about her personal life.
Early Retirement
At the age of 36, after making 27 films, Garbo made the bold decision to retire. She moved to Manhattan, where she lived a secluded life until her death in 1990.
Tistad Castle: A Haven of Happiness
Sotheby’s auction also included an album of amateur photographs taken at Tistad Castle. These images capture a glimpse of a more carefree and joyful Garbo, lounging on the lawn, chatting with friends, and immersing herself in the natural beauty of her homeland.
Legacy of a Complex Star
Greta Garbo’s letters provide a rare and intimate glimpse into the inner life of a Hollywood icon. They reveal her profound loneliness, dissatisfaction with her career, and longing for a simpler life. Despite her enigmatic persona, Garbo’s letters humanize her and remind us that even the most famous and glamorous stars are not immune to the struggles of the human condition.
