BATHING LIKE IN IMPERIAL TIMES | LEISURE IN THE HABSBURG ERA

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary miniseries from ORF III, titled 'Bathing Like in Imperial Times | Leisure in the Habsburg Era,' delves into the fascinating evolution of bathing culture in 19th-century Vienna. Director Susanne Pleisnitzer guides viewers through a period of significant societal change, where the public bathhouses became microcosms reflecting evolving attitudes towards the body and public life. Initially, bathing was a modest affair, with individuals wearing clothing into the water. However, as the series illustrates, perceptions shifted, leading to a gradual, and at times hesitant, embrace of less restrictive attire and a more open display of the body. The narrative skillfully evokes an atmosphere akin to the works of Arthur Schnitzler, highlighting the tension between outward appearances of propriety and the emerging comfort with bodily exposure. It's a compelling look at how leisure spaces can become catalysts for profound cultural shifts, offering a unique perspective on the Habsburg era's social dynamics.