The Waldheim Waltz

The Waldheim Waltz is an introspective and challenging film from 2018, directed by Ruth Beckermann who also stars in the film alongside Kurt Waldheim and Yasser Arafat. This unique movie sheds light on the life and controversies surrounding Kurt Waldheim, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and ninth President of Austria.

This captivating film employs a documentary-style narrative which brews a thoughtful exploration of the public and private facets of Waldheim’s life. The film delves into his tenure as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1972 to 1981 and his presidency in Austria, lasting from 1986 to 1992. Waldheim's controversial past became international headlines while he was campaigning for the presidency. Documents surfacing from the World War II era suggested that Waldheim might have been involved in war crimes, resulting in his inclusion on a 'watch list' of undesirables, surrealistically, almost simultaneously as his tenure as the President of Austria was beginning.

The primary focus of the film, however, is on the series of events, better known as the "Waldheim Affair", during his presidential campaign. The director Ruth Beckermann, a prominent figure in the film, is not just a bystander re-telling a story. She was there, a young woman among the protestors, with a canny historical sense to supplement her indignation.

The Waldheim Waltz draws into this sensitive historical material and heated debates, crafting a vivid picture of a divided society. The eye-witness footage shot by Beckermann, interspersed with global news coverage of the time, helps to encapsulate the frenzied atmosphere of the era. The film asks not just tough questions about Waldheim's Nazi past but also mirrors the deep psychological manipulation of society by power; on how moral blindness and passive acceptance can occur, and how society by turning a blind eye, can sidestep the harsh realities of its past.

The film is not just a chronicle but also a dissection of the zeitgeist of that era. It effortlessly shifts from past to present, merging images of the vehemently defended candidate making passionate speeches in defense of his name, with footage of protesting crowds demanding transparency and justice. Ruth Beckermann’s masterful direction and unique voiceover work paint a striking portrait of a nation in turmoil divided by its past and its future, capturing the painful and confrontational unraveling of collective memories.

The Waldheim Waltz also introduces the audience to a rich variety of archival footage, featuring figures like Yasser Arafat who appear alongside Kurt Waldheim. It captures the political tensions and global diplomacy of the time adding another layer to understanding Waldheim's career. Remarkably, the film doesn't indulge in histrionics or sensationalism; instead, it observes, presents, and leaves it to the viewers to form their own judgment about the evidence and its implication.

The film manages to take a complex, controversial topic and not only makes it accessible but deeply compelling. The Waldheim Waltz, while delving into a particular piece of Austrian History, also speaks to the universality of how societies grapple with their troublesome past and how comfortably or consciously, societies can embed denial, effectively warping collective choice and narrative.

The Waldheim Waltz takes its audience into a time capsule, presenting them with a detailed account of a time ripe with conflict and controversy. It is not just a deep-dive into the past but also a mirror to the present and potential future societies can face if they choose to forget the lessons of history. It's a must-watch for those who savour meticulously researched historical narratives and are keen on dissecting societal reactions to uncomfortable truths. It is a compelling exploration of truth and reconciliation, of denial and acceptance, and ultimately, the dance of history and memory. A remarkable waltz that orchestrates the rhythm of an era, where links between the past and present play out their poignant interplay.