Theodor Pistek

Short Biography

Theodor Pistek was born on October 25, 1932 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He is known for his work on Amadeus (1984), The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) and Valmont (1989).Trivia (2)Nephew of Erna Zenísková and Jana Zenísková.Son of Theodor Pistek and Mána Zenísková.Personal Quotes (3)[on Tomorrow I'll Wake Up and Scald Myself with Tea (1977)] You never know what eventually happens with the costumes. There is Hitler and his complete staff. We made their uniforms according to models from a military museum - all the distinctions were added precisely in the order the SS men had received them. It was all absolutely meticulous. I was really proud of myself. Two years later, I went to the Barrandov Studios wardrobe department and saw my Göring costume adapted to a hotel door guard's. The distinctions had been removed and there was a badge on his hat saying 'hotel'. That is the reality of my job. You have to reconcile with it or go home and shoot yourself.[on Frantisek Vlácil] He's the best friend I ever had. He had a heavenly nature - he was extraordinarily intelligent, artistic and always ready to help those around him. His only vice was alcohol.[on Amadeus (1984)] The most important thing is to give period costumes some precise detail. Before Amadeus, my Italian assistant took me to small shops and we bought rococo laces and fans that used to belong to aristocratic families that went bankrupt. And if you add a period ring, buttons or a ruffle to the costume, you make it believable.