Utterly Amazing

Rating: 10/10 (13 July 2003)

"Amadeus" is my favorite film of all-time. Usually I am not a fan of historical dramas. The movie centers around Italian composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), who is committed to a mental institution after trying to kill himself. He blames himself for the death of the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce).
Salieri's life and music is faint due to his jealously of Mozart. He is fascinated yet disgusted by Mozart...and wonders why God would use a vulgar, boorish child to be the best composer in history. I like the Director's Cut DVD better, which portrays Mozart's wife Constanze (Elizabeth Berridge) in a more dramatic, involved role. After seeing the prolific scene with Constanze and Salieri, you will see why Constanze carries such disdain for him. Salieri's self-worth is destroyed and he finally accepts he is merely a 'mediocrity'. After seeing this piece of art (I cannot just call it a 'movie'), I grew fond of classical music. The operas and plays were very realistic, as if you were actually in 18th century Vienna! The costumes were lavish, accents perfected, Prague setting majestic and the music was beautiful.
Overall, I give 'Amadeus" an A+