My all-time #1!

Rating: 10/10 (15 August 1999)

I don't know whether it's the music, the dialogue, the costumes, the superb performances, or the moving drama. But something about "Amadeus" puts this ahead of such powerhouses as "The Godfather" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" on my favorite movie list.
Being that I'm a musician, seeing such an enjoyable (albeit fictional) account of the Maestro probably helps a lot. W.A. Mozart - though he is really not the main character - is portrayed as an 18th century wild-guy. His musical talent is treated with the respect it deserves, but with a flair of sexual playfulness, all-night partying, and defiant zaniness. Mozart is undoubtedly the finest composer of music ever to live. But the added twist on his corny demeanor and fish-out-of-water relationship with the Emperor's court makes the film so much more enjoyable.
Special kudos go to F. Murray Abraham for his unforgettable and passionate portrayal of Antonio Salieri and to Jeffrey Jones for his underestimated portrayal of Emperor Joseph. Tom Hulce - like George C. Scott with Patton - will forever be identified with this character. He does a miraculous job turning Mozart into a classical version of Jimi Hendrix.
Note that this movie (and the stage version from which it was derived) is pretty much total fiction. While some elements of the film are accurate, no evidence exists that suggests that Salieri and Mozart had such an adversarial relationship. Salieri also had nothing to do with the composition of Mozart's "Requiem."
But don't let this spoil the fun. "Amadeus" is a fine example of film-making at its most rewarding. Watch it!!!