An actor's movie

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2008)

Yes, the initial draw for most people will be its focus on Mozart and the soundtrack of Mozart masterpieces that accompanies this film, but I want to take a moment here and now to note that this is NOT, first and foremost, a MUSICIAN'S movie, but rather an ACTOR'S movie. Any and all people interested in the craft, whether as an actor themselves or as a spectator, should see this film for both F. Murray Abraham's beautifully tragic Salieri and Tom Hulce's fascinating Mozart. Both give their all with these roles and it SHOWS. In addition to the brilliant acting, the movie sports a fantastic script that prods deeply into one of the great fears of any artist: fear of mediocrity, of possessing the desire to express one's self but not the talent. An incredible drama. And, yes, an incredible soundtrack as well.