Watch The Waldheim Waltz

The Waldheim Waltz is a 2018 documentary film which takes a critical look at the political career of former United Nations Secretary General and Austrian President Kurt Waldheim. Directed by independent Austrian filmmaker Ruth Beckermann, the film explores Waldheim's controversial past and his role in militant nationalism during World War II.

The film begins by delving into Waldheim's background, detailing his education and early political career. It reveals how he joined the Austrian army in 1938 and participated in a variety of battles throughout the course of the war. Following the war, he went on to join the Austrian foreign ministry and served in various diplomatic postings around the world.

The controversy surrounding Waldheim's past emerged during his campaign for the Austrian presidency in 1986. At this time, allegations began to surface that Waldheim had been involved in war crimes during his time in the German army. In particular, it was revealed that Waldheim had been stationed in the Balkans during the war, where he had been part of a unit which committed atrocities against civilians. The film explores these allegations in depth, providing archival footage and interviews with historians and political experts.

The Waldheim Waltz also delves into the broader political context of Waldheim's presidency. The film highlights how Waldheim's nationalist platform was deeply controversial, particularly in light of the country's history. Beckermann examines how Waldheim's rhetoric resonated with certain segments of the Austrian population, even as it was widely condemned by international leaders and human rights organizations.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of The Waldheim Waltz is its exploration of the media's role in shaping public discourse around Waldheim's presidency. The film reveals how many media outlets in Austria purposefully downplayed or ignored the allegations against Waldheim, instead promoting him as a symbol of Austrian pride and national identity. This media manipulation had the effect of keeping many Austrians in the dark about the true extent of Waldheim's controversial past.

The film is both engaging and accessible, even for those with little background knowledge of Austrian history. Beckermann does an excellent job of contextualizing the events of the film within a broader historical and political framework, making it easy for viewers to understand the stakes involved in Waldheim's presidency. The archival footage used in the film is particularly compelling, giving viewers a literal window into the past.

However, The Waldheim Waltz isn't just a film about the past. It is also a warning about the dangers of nationalism and the manipulation of the media. In this sense, the film feels incredibly timely, particularly in light of recent political developments around the world. The film reminds us that it is all too easy for leaders to tap into nationalist sentiment in order to gain power, and that this kind of rhetoric can be dangerous and divisive.

Overall, The Waldheim Waltz is a fascinating and thought-provoking film which asks important questions about the intersection of politics, history, and media. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the role that nationalism plays in today's politics, and a powerful reminder of the importance of historical memory.

The Waldheim Waltz is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 82.