The Love of God: A Gift and Tragedy

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2009)

The film Amadeus is truly an epic film directed by Milos Foreman based on the stage play by Peter Shaffer, by the same name. Worthy of all eleven Academy Award nominations, and definitely deserving of the eight won, Amadeus is a dramatic telling of the life and death of the eighteenth's century greatest composer , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The film begins with an old and delusional Antonio Salieri, once a respected composer of the court, now in a lunatic asylum meeting with a young priest. The purpose of their meeting is so that Salieri may seek peace through confession for allegedly being involved in Mozart's death. Salieri tells the events of his life dealing with his jealousy over Mozart through flashbacks of the years leading up towards the event. F. Murray Abraham gives an Oscar winning performance as the conniving antagonist Salieri who once a devoted religious man, decided he will become God's enemy whom he believes had cheated him by making him the mediocre composer. Upon seeing Mozart for the first time, Salieri believes to have been mocked by God who has blessed Mozart with an enormous talent and genius towards music. Salieri sees Mozart as an undeserving, vulgar opponent whom he must destroy in order to defeat God.
Tom Hulce also delivers a credible portrayal of the late Mozart as an arrogant musical genius with a unique high pitch giggle who is aware of his capability to astonish everyone from the streets of his hometown Salzburg to the royals of Vienna with his musical compositions. Though financially irresponsible and even holding the standards of an alcoholic, Mozart is a hard working composer who puts all his energy into his work and tries his hardest to also be a husband and father throughout his years of musical achievement. Hulce provides the comedic relief to the film in times when even Mozart's wife Constanze Mozart, portrayed by Elizabeth Berridge, cannot seem to break through the ice whether it be through their financial struggles or his father's disapproval of their living conditions.
Though Amadeus lacks some amount of historical accuracy in the telling of Mozart's life, the overall plot holds suspense and unexpected twists that captivate the viewer. The difference between Mozart and Salieri only put aside by their love for music could not have been better portrayed by any other actors, Murray in particular who steals the show with his love and admiration for Mozart's music, yet disgust and hatred for Mozart's self being . We can all relate to Salieri, even develop some sympathy for his devotion and hard work that is out shined by the natural talent bestowed in Mozart. It is an eye opener for those that also believe all composers to be like Salieri, so strict and conservative, whereas Mozart proves to be the exception for he is free willed and always energized and full of joy even at the moment of his death. I was overall impressed by the film and belie anyone with an eye for great acting would be as well.