One to return to, again and again...

Rating: 10/10 (8 April 2002)

I think back to perhaps the first time I saw this movie. I believe, as a part of the joy that is public school music education, our disillusioned teacher popped in a video, and showed us all Milos Foreman's AMADEUS. At first glance, the dialogue is witty and involving, the sets and costumes glorious, and the acting superb. Even in my youth I could recognize the greatness of this film. With Peter Shaffer's game of "What if...?" that comprises much of the film (i.e. what if Salieri recognized his own shortcomings in sight of Mozart's genius, and then...), the stage is set for true drama. There is conflict galore in this multi-layered film, and it brings the heart of the humanities close to us. Why do we love music and what makes it great? Can a less-than-perfect person create perfect art? The list goes on...
My point being that this movie is perhaps my all-time favorite film, and one that I watch at least once a year. Revelations abound with each repeated viewing, whether it be a nuance in a performance, a detail in the set, or a new insight into the interplay of music and image. If (for some incredible reason) you haven't seen this glorious film, DO IT NOW!!