The Battles of František Vláčil

March 3, 2008

It is somewhat inexplicable that filmmaker František Vláčil lacks the popular international renown of Miloš Forman and Jiří Menzel. A poll of 100 Czech film critics in 1998 revealed Vláčil’s 1967 medieval-set epic Markéta Lazarová to be the greatest Czech film of all time

Comparable in vision and acumen to Bergman or Kurosawa, Vláčil was an uncompromising and demanding master of cinema whose films are unflinching stories of man’s struggle against some implacable force, be it society, nature or his own passion. It’s a struggle Vláčil knew well, as the director suffered through the strictures of the communist authorities, his battles with alcohol and his failed marriages.

The current exhibit at Prague Castle includes countless film clips and stills, screenplays, props, drawings and set designs, as well as behind-the-scenes footage never seen (and unlikely ever to be seen again), such as how Vláčil filmed scenes of dismemberment.

The Battles of František Vláčil
Until 31 May
Imperial Stables, Prague Castle
Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Written by Eurostars · Filed Under Lifestyle