Brilliant and Breathtaking

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2000)

Very few movies have permanant effects on viewers...but this was one of those for me. I resisted seeing the movie in the theater when I was a child, because I thought that I would be bored to tears. Finally, many years later, it was on television and I decided to watch it as I worked a jigsaw puzzle. I got maybe four or five pieces put together....and then I was enraptured in this tale of lust, love, jealousy, murder and music. I have seen this film over 100 times and undoubtedly know all the lines by heart. I never tire of it or the soundtrack.
The film portrays the "hero" as an absolute jerk, which most historians agree that Motzart was, or was at least percieved that way. It is a film about a man who was at the top of his craft, but lacking in almost all other areas. Enter into the fray a humble man, Antoni Soliari, who wants nothing more than to "sing to God" -- if only He would bless him with great talent. For Soliari, the frustration of watching such a "creature" be so succesful while he tires away and receives less praise from his peers is more than he can stand. He feels resigned to be a "mediocrity"
The movie never really says whether or not Soliari kills Motzart or not -- and that is to the films credit. Perhaps the most memorable part of the movie (other than the great laugh of Tom Hulce/Motzart) is the last line of the movie, when Soliari is being wheeled away from the priest whom he just confessed to. He say, "I will speak for all mediocrities. I am their patron-saint".
Very few films have risen to the level of this achievement -- but NONE have surpassed it. 10 out of 10.