The Restless Hungarian

Tom Weidlinger's cinematic biography of his father, Paul, is a complex film that touches upon a number of familiar themes, such as Europe between the World Wars, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and the rewards and stresses of emigration.

Paul Weidlinger's essential contributions to urban monumental architecture and sculpture tend to be obscured by the names of the world-famous architects and artists who designed the works that were erected with the expertise of Weidlinger's structural engineering firm.

Paul Weidlinger is presented as an energetic, highly gifted egotist, whose path through life had heartrending consequences for his family. In this regard, the film can be compared to other biographies of famous parents created by their children, and it raises the question of what do offspring owe their parents, particularly those who abused them.

The film is well constructed and beautifully photographed. The reenactments, which Tom Weidlinger often includes in his films, are a perfect touch. Watch the film and then replay the images as you read the excellent book that accompanies it.