Spectacular period drama!

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2003)

Set in Vienna in the late 18th century, Amadeus is an outstanding ode to the genius of a great musician. As a movie experience, it is entertaining and rewarding at the same time. Considering that Milos Forman was at the helm of its creation, one has a lot of expectations of the film and believe me they are well founded. He fills the movie with such grandeur and depth that you are easily overwhelmed. The length of the movie could scare the most avid movie buff, but frankly i didn't find it a drag. And in case you find yourself wondering if you'd like it despite the fact that you don't know the first thing about Mozart or his music, the answer is an emphatic no.
The movie traces the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, through the eyes of Antonio Salieri, the court composer of Emperor Joseph II. Salieri, eager to meet Mozart on his arrival to Vienna, is stunned to find that an extraordinary musical talent has been bestowed on an utterly despicable, vulgar and frivolous man. The irony is beyond Salieri's tolerance, filling him with rage and envy. Soon, he schemes to drive Mozart into his destruction and the movie inches closer to Mozart's death in the background of lilting music.
Amadeus combines music and drama effortlessly. It seems that Peter Shaffer's play has all the elements of human nature in generous doses to engage the audience and then of course there is the music. No part of the movie is less entertaining or watchable than the other. The performances are stellar and both Abraham and Hulce are impressive. There are very few modern day classics but Amadeus fits the bill perfectly. Watch it for the drama and the music and you wouldn't be disappointed. For this movie deserved every one of those 8 oscars which it got.
9/10