Educational Media Reviews Online

Stewart Udall might not be one of the figures that immediately come to mind when thinking of prominent environmentalists. Nevertheless, the former congressman and Secretary of the Interior was instrumental in shaping environmental movements and policy approaches that continue to resonate today. Stewart Udall: The Politics of Beauty follows Udall’s remarkable career trajectory from the House of Representatives through the cabinet of two presidential administrations to his work on notable environmental court cases following his leave from Washington, DC. His accomplishments are staggering in their scope and character with the designation of numerous public lands, impactful legislation, and the drawing of other public figures into the environmental movement all occurring during his tenure as Secretary of the Interior alone. Although 1960s environmentalism is often overshadowed by other monumental changes in American life and thought, the film makes the case for it as one of the most prominent products of the decade with Udall at the center of major federal policy shifts.

The Politics of Beauty provides a remarkably well-rounded picture of who Stewart Udall was through interviews with family, colleagues, and historians. Their anecdotes and insights illustrate a lifelong campaign to make America care about natural spaces carried out through personal conviction and political finesse. Udall’s efforts can be seen as foundational to today’s environmental politics, although the tone and methods of influence differ substantially. His work promoted the preservation and stewardship of natural spaces at a time when their exploitation through industry was just beginning to be recognized, but nevertheless received strong bipartisan support. Strikingly, the film recognizes Udall as one of the first voices to speak out on climate change and question the idea of infinite and abundant resources. He seems ahead of his time, although given his profound capability for change, one might wish that he was around even earlier.

In addition to environmental issues, the film gives significant consideration to Udall’s involvement in the racial politics of the 1960s through which he was able to use his position as Secretary of the Interior to press for meaningful changes. After learning that the stadium in which the Washington, DC professional football team played was owned by the federal government, Udall was able to demand that the team hire a Black player. Also under his direction, the National Parks Service intentionally began to hire Black park rangers, recruiting directly from the pool of recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Although The Politics of Beauty centers on the life of an often-unrecognized pioneer of the environmental movement, it also raises profound questions about how policy can be used to protect natural resources and spaces. The continued relevance of his endeavors, seen through the expansion of federal public lands and legislation such as the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would allow the film to fit well in courses that examine environmental policy and history. It’s recommended for academic libraries.

Awards:
Runner Up, Best Documentary, Zions Indie Film Fest

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