Vienna I Hardly Knew Ye

We only had a brief stint in Vienna, shooting “The Spy Who Dumped Me.”

We were filming most of the movie in Budapest, because right now Hungary has the best tax subsidy for the film business in Europe right now, and the truth is that Budapest can look like nearly any major European city. I love Budapest, but I’ll post more about that another time.

Our trip to Vienna was just for a half day, and we were filming in and around the Hapsburg palace.

What an incredible blend of history and culture here. It’s staggering to think how rich the Austro-Hungarian Empire must have been. Ancient cities like these all seem to have had their heyday being on top of the world’s economy for various reasons (in Venice it was trade, in London, empire and finance et cetera). When they are wealthy, the Kings and Queens build buildings with lasting beauty. That’s certainky true of the Hapsburg Palace, with its white marble, green roofs and ornate gold decararions.

The whole square was bustling with people, and it’s now a prime tourist spot, complete with gimmicks like horse and buggy rides and gift shops.

But it’s a beautiful city with much history. Next time I go back I want to visit Freud’s house and check out some of the museums!