After leaving grammar school in 1958, Dietl completed a degree in theatre studies and history of art.
He then became head of photography and later assistant director to the Munich Kammerspiele theatre.
He first achieved directorial success with the TV series Monaco Franze, eventually moving on to create several notable films with the aid of Patrick Süskind's writing.
In 1998, he was a member of the judging panel at the 48th Berlin International Film Festival.
[2][3] This article about a German film director is a stub.