Milos Forman
Biography
Miloš Forman (February 18, 1932 – April 13, 2018) was a Czech-American film director, screenwriter, and actor celebrated for his humanistic storytelling and sharp critiques of authority and conformity. A leading figure of the Czechoslovak New Wave before emigrating to the United States, Forman went on to achieve international acclaim, winning two Academy Awards for Best Director for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and Amadeus (1984).
Early Life
Forman was born in Čáslav, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). His childhood was marked by tragedy: both of his parents died in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Raised by relatives, Forman developed an early interest in storytelling and performance.
He studied screenwriting at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague, where he became part of a generation of filmmakers who would shape the Czechoslovak New Wave movement of the 1960s.
Czechoslovak New Wave
In the 1960s, Forman emerged as a prominent voice in the New Wave, known for blending realism, satire, and non-professional actors.
Key Early Films
Black Peter (1964)
Loves of a Blonde (1965)
The Firemen’s Ball (1967)
These films examined everyday life under communist rule with humor and subtle political commentary. Loves of a Blonde earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, while The Firemen’s Ball faced censorship in Czechoslovakia due to its satirical tone.
After the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, Forman left the country and eventually settled in the United States.
Hollywood Success
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Forman achieved major international success with this adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel. Starring Jack Nicholson, the film tells the story of a rebellious patient who challenges the authoritarian control of Nurse Ratched in a mental institution.
The film became only the second in history to win the “Big Five” Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. It cemented Forman’s reputation as a masterful director of character-driven drama.
Hair (1979)
Forman directed this adaptation of the Broadway musical, capturing the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement with energy and emotional resonance.
Amadeus (1984)
One of Forman’s most celebrated works, Amadeus dramatized the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the perspective of his rival, Antonio Salieri. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Forman.
Praised for its lavish production design, powerful performances, and exploration of genius and envy, Amadeus remains one of the most acclaimed historical dramas in cinema.
Later Work
Forman continued directing notable films, including:
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), exploring free speech and controversy
Man on the Moon (1999), a biographical film about comedian Andy Kaufman
Both films demonstrated his ongoing interest in individuals who challenge social norms and authority.
Personal Life
Forman became a U.S. citizen in 1977. Throughout his life, he maintained connections to both European and American cinema. Despite his international success, he remained deeply influenced by his early experiences in Czechoslovakia.
He passed away on April 13, 2018, at the age of 86.
