Existence of a Madman..

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2009)

Amadeus is a movie about the life of Amadeus Mozart. The film depicts the troubled life that Mozart led and the people who affected his career most significantly. I thought the movie was put together well, with quite a few comedic moments which helped to soften the movie's heavy plot.
The movie is constructed in a flashback method from Salieri's perspective. Mozart believed Saliari to be a trusted friend. It tells of the life of Mozart and how his brilliance often hindered his ability to have social relationships with his peers. Don't be scared yet though. The movie is not a dry documentary on the life of Mozart. It is a story about his life.
I really enjoyed the movie. The costume design was fantastic. The wigs and costumes were very elaborate and set the mood for the movie. The humorous parts of the movie were well placed. They sustained the movie through its dark parts.
The only thing I did not like about the movie was the opening scene. I do think that the scene with Salieri trying to commit suicide could have been more detailed. I felt as though I had to piece together the beginning instead of just enjoying it.
My favorite character in the movie was Constanze Mozart, played by Elizabeth Berredge. I thought she did a great job of portraying the relationship between herself and Amadeus as sincere. During most of the movie, when their relationship seemed to be teetering on the edge of destruction, they continued to have a deep understanding of one another. I especially felt as though I could relate to her character, because it was realistic. Often times in films, relationships are characterized as always having a happy ending. It was refreshing to see a role where the relationship between two people is so troubled and yet we sense a feeling of acceptance between them.
If you haven't seen this movie I definitely would recommend it. It gives a new twist to the story of Mozart's life. It is certainly not boring and mundane, as some films about historical figures may be. It has dramatic parts and very funny parts which combine to create a movie that almost anyone (with taste!) would enjoy. ********* nine out of ten stars!!!!
"Looks and talent don't always go together, Katerina" (Salieri speaking to Katerina, the woman he is attracted to about Mozart)