One of the best movies of all time...

Rating: 10/10 (23 February 2002)

First off, I must make note of a few things.
First, to those of you who criticize the film for being historically inaccurate, or who think the script is incoherent, or who think it's too long and boring, or who think the ending was disappointing, or all of the above...you are all IDIOTS!!! It's quite clear you are the type of person who would not go to a performance of Shakespeare, or who think that "Armageddon" was the pinnacle of filmmaking. Uncultured, uneducated morons...that's all you are! Second, I first saw this film when I was four years old. Now, I'm not as big into classical music as my parents are, but I do listen to the occasional symphony, sonata, and even some opera. But from the beginning, even at my young age, I knew this was one of the most extraordinary films I'd ever see. And to this day, I've been right. I've yet to see a film that captures my heart the way "Amadeus" does.
Right from the start, this film is NOT a historical account on the life of Mozart. Of course it's inaccurate because Peter Shaffer wrote the original play of "Amadeus" not as a biography, but as a drama based on events in the life of Mozart. So the question as to whether or not Salieri really hated Mozart, whether or not he really killed him, is totally pointless. The point of this film was to tell a dramatic story, based on two figures in history. And those two figures are portrayed masterfully by F. Murray Abraham (who totally deserved the Oscar he received) and Tom Hulce (it's a shame he didn't get an Oscar as well). And while every actor played their roles wonderfully, Abraham and Hulce are truly the stars, not just because they got top billing or because they are the main characters. Both play their roles with great passion, humor, and empathy. Both are able to represent their characters with great humor, while simultaneously demanding the attention and sympathy of the audience. Salieri comes across both as a man worthy of our respect and our sympathy, while at the same time never sacrificing the image that he is a deranged man who was hell bent on ending Mozart's life. The same can be said of Mozart, who we see to be the vulgar clown he was, whose exploits were matched only by his passion for his music.
Peter Shaffer's script is brilliant, full of subtle humor and wonderful dialogue. If you disagree, then I suggest you read a few more books before you can get to the level of sophistication required to appreciate it. Milos Forman's direction is also brilliant. The use of natural light to capture the atmosphere of the time period was a clever touch that created a marvelous effect on the visual tone of the movie, matched only by the great stage direction, costumes, and the music.
Ah, the music...Neville Marriner conducting Mozart's music is a wonderful compliment to the action in the film (or rather...the other way around, the film compliments the music). My favorite scenes are those of Mozart or Salieri in the conductor's seat, directing their music on stage, especially the Commendatore scene of "Don Giovanni." My other favorite scene is when Mozart is dictating "Confutatis" to Salieri. Both scenes just as Salieri described "Don Giovanni,"..."It was terrifying and wonderful to watch."
This is truly one of the greatest films of all time, and to this day I still make it a point to watch it at least once a month. Each time, I find something new about it...and if I don't, then it doesn't matter...it's still a joy to watch. Not many films have stayed with me since my childhood, but this one I will watch until the day I die. Those who can not appreciate it...go back to watching "American Pie" or whatever brainless teenage movie they're coming out with now. Jason Biggs or Seann William Scott could NEVER reach the level of acting potential shown by this movie. Nothing Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer can make will reach the level of cinematic perfection presented by this film. "Amadeus" truly is "Beloved by God."