One of the top ten of the last 20 years

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 2003)

*****Warning****Spoilers AHEAD**********WARNING*************
Milos Forman's does not make many movies, and when he does, he does so in unique and stylish fashion. This film is certainly unique, and I'd say at times divine, at times very human, and connects with the very fiber that unites all of us. First, our failed quest for greatness has rarely been seen as vividly as through the eyes of Solieri, who was recognized by his government as the finest musician of his time, but knew in his heart that his talent was only miniscule to that of the great Mozart. F. Murray Abraham does an extraordinary job with this, and so does Tom Hulce portraying Mozart's flambouyant persona. The music is top notch, as to be expected, especially the haunting finale where Hulce is singing the notes to his work as Solieri is writing. Note -- I'm commenting from the Director's cut DVD which is rated R. I understand the PG rated version is short of the scene where she strips. I kind of like that scene in the movie...I think it shows her will and makes her disappointment at the end understandable. I did find this cut a little long...I haven't watched the original...maybe that one is perfect...but this is about as close as you get.