Felix Austria!

Felix Austria! is an intriguing and highly personal documentary that was first screened at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival in 2013. The film primarily revolves around the intriguing life of Felix Pfeifle, a seemingly ordinary man from Los Angeles with an extraordinary fascination with the Austrian Habsburgs – one of Europe's most fascinating and infamous royal families. The film is directed by Christine Beebe and features influential personalities besides Felix Pfeifle such as Otto von Habsburg and Tatyana Yassukovich among others.

The central character, Felix Pfeifle, is not your typical royal enthusiast. He's deeply insightful and educated, famously holding two undergraduate degrees from USC and currently studying for a Ph.D. in art history. He carries an infectious eccentricity and enthusiasm for his passion for the Austrian monarchy that transcends the screen. Unlike many, he doesn't stop at reading history books, instead, he endeavors to fully immerse himself in the world of his obsession.

The common perception of royal family enthusiasts paints them as delusional or out of touch with reality, but Felix's passion is neither whimsical nor trivial. In his determination to understand and connect with the Habsburg history as thoroughly as possible, he famously sets himself on an once-in-a-lifetime journey. This journey takes him from the suburbs of Los Angeles to an expedition across Europe and eventually leading him to the doorstep of none other than the last surviving heir of the Austrian throne, Archduke Otto von Habsburg.

It is this extraordinary journey that forms the crux of Felix Austria. As we witness his interactions with different individuals and his relentless pursuit of knowledge, we are invited into his world and his mind. His journey is not just limited to absorbing the history and culture of the Habsburgs but also allows Felix to explore and reflect upon his sense of identity and place in the world.

Alongside Felix’s journey, the film also manages to weave in intricate details about the complex history of the Habsburg family that inspires him. Otto von Habsburg, the last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, is brought into the spotlight as an elusive figure who had still held a significant place in the European political landscape of the time.

Though a documentary, Felix Austria! carries a narrative structure that pulls the audience along Felix’s emotional and intellectual journey. We get to witness the passionate traveler up-close and personal, seeing his vulnerability, courage, humor, and endearing quirkiness. The director, Christine Beebe, effectively brings out the best of Felix Pfeifle, portraying him not as a fanboy, but as a scholar with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and fervor of a lifetime.

Felix Austria! also presents an interesting intersection of historical and personal chronicles as it explores the life of Tatyana Yassukovich, Otto von Habsburg's secretary. She has a unique perspective on Otto's life, having been by his side during his political campaigns and his life post-monarchy. Through her, we get a particularly intimate glimpse into Otto's life and the legacy he left behind.

Felix Austria! stands out as a refreshing and inspiring testament to the pursuit of knowledge and personal identification. The subject matter might seem niche or highbrow, yet the film, much like Felix himself, is deeply relatable and human. Regardless of the audience's prior knowledge or interest in Austrian history or monarchy, Felix’s passion and journey stand as a broader analogy to humanity's inherent desire to connect, understand, and discover.

In analytical strokes, Felix Austria! covers a broad spectrum - from European royal history to American middle-class life, from self-doubt to self-discovery. It can be seen as a compelling commentary on the past's influence on our present identities and the transformative power of unadulterated passion. To sum it up, Felix Austria! is a fascinating and enriching personal journey into history and humanity that will inspire, pique curiosity, and garner respect for the sheer determination of an ordinary man with extraordinary interests.