Czech cinematography legend Vladimír Smutný dies at 82
One of the most influential figures in Czech film, cinematographer Vladimír Smutný, has died at the age of 82. With a career spanning over five decades, he helped define the visual style of many notable Czech films. Among his most celebrated collaborations were the Oscar-winning Kolya, directed by Jan Svěrák, and The Painted Bird, Václav Marhoul’s haunting adaptation of the controversial novel by Jerzy Kosiński.
Released in 2019 and based on Kosiński’s novel, The Painted Bird is set in Eastern Europe during the final days of World War II. It follows a young boy, “perhaps Jewish, perhaps Gypsy”, as he struggles to survive in a brutal world consumed by fear and superstition. The film’s stark black-and-white visuals, shot on 35mm film, earned widespread acclaim.
Yet Smutný remained characteristically self-critical. Reflecting on the film, which won nine Czech Lion awards and was also recognized at the Chicago Film Festival, this is what he told Czech Radio:
“Well, I still can't quite come to terms with it… I constantly doubt the final result and keep thinking it could have been done differently.”
Director Václav Marhoul, who worked with Smutný repeatedly, said he gave his films an unmistakable stamp of individuality:
“When I talk about him as a cinematographer, I must say I worked with him on three films: Smart Philip, Tobruk, and especially The Painted Bird. I’d simply conclude that Vladimír’s work, his attitude, and his approach to filmmaking were absolutely unique.”
Born in 1942 into a family of photographers, Smutný was drawn to the visual arts early on. His uncle worked as a cinematographer on short films, and Smutný followed in his footsteps. He studied cinematography at Prague’s FAMU and began his professional life as a commercial photographer at the Tesla Holešovice company. He also gained experience at the Short Film studio.
In the 1970s, he joined Barrandov Studios, starting as an assistant before earning opportunities behind the camera. His first film as lead cinematographer was The Last Train, directed by Július Matula, in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, he built his reputation with a number of acclaimed projects, including The End of Berhof, Scalpel, Please, and The Death of the Beautiful Deer.
After 1989, Smutný’s work extended to international productions. He lensed the French television series Maigret, filmed in Prague, and developed a close creative relationship with Jan Svěrák. Together, they made six films, including The Elementary School, Dark Blue World, and Kolya, which brought Smutný widespread recognition.
Over his career, he received eight Czech Lion Awards for Best Cinematography but also a lifetime achievement award for his overall contribution to Czech film. In 2023, on the occasion of Czechoslovak Independence Day, President Petr Pavel awarded him the Medal of Merit, First Class.
Smutný’s final project was a music video for the Czech band Chinaski’s song I Hear Your Footsteps, marking his last collaboration with Václav Marhoul.
