F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce shine

Rating: 10/10 (30 October 2004)

I've just acquired a video of "Amadeus," and I have a much greater appreciation for it now than I did when I saw it six years ago. I was filled with the urge to see it after watching "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" repeatedly, which stars Tom Hulce as the voice of Quasimodo. Yet, as I watched "Amadeus," though Tom Hulce was exceptional as Mozart, it was F. Murray Abraham with whom I was most impressed. He is PERFECT as Salieri, and he does one of the best acting jobs I have ever seen in my life in this part. He plays his character in such a real and believable way that I was completely taken in by him. Also, so great is his talent, that it took me about five times of watching the movie all the way through (and checking the credits!) to realize that it was the same actor playing "Old Salieri" and "Middle-aged Salieri" throughout the movie. I recommend that you see this movie just of Abraham alone, though the entire thing is a masterpiece. I went out and bought a cd of Mozart's Requiem Mass after seeing it just twice! Overall, this movie is intriguing and entertaining, and the actors are perfect. No one could have played Mozart better than Tom Hulce, and I don't think I have to mention how amazing F. Murray Abraham is as Salieri again. I give it a 10/10. Simply fantastic.