"Amadeus" is Amazing

Rating: Null/10 (19 February 2012)

There is one question that lies in the center of Milos Forman's 1984 Oscar-winning film, "Amadeus": Did Antonio Salieri really kill Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? That question is handled unpredictably well in this splendid, majestic and never dated masterpiece of filmmaking; a morality play and a history lesson all mixed into one.
The film begins when Salieri {F. Murray Abraham, who won an Oscar for this role} is taken to an asylum in late 18th century Vienna for attempting to kill himself. A minister visits him and asks him why he tried to commit suicide. Salieri says that he tried to commit suicide because he thought that he had killed Mozart. He soon tells about his memories of his own life and Mozart's.
When we first meet young Mozart {Tom Hulce}, he acts like a little child. He is then invited to have an audience with Emperor Joseph II. Back then, Salieri was the court composer for the Emperor. When Salieri first listens to Mozart's music, he becomes jealous at him. Later, he realizes that Mozart's music is the voice of God. Salieri calls God an enemy and tries to stop Mozart once and for all.
Forman here turns all the ingredients of making a film into a tasteful and delicious whole. Peter Shaffer's script which he adapted from his play, gives a thoughtful and insightful look at Salieri and Mozart. Miroslaw Ondricek's cameras and Patriza Von Brandenstein's sets helps give old Vienna a realistic look and version.
Abraham and Hulce both deliver strong and unbelievable performances. As Salieri, Abraham gives a stunning portrayal of a man who is torn between the lord and one man. As Mozart, Hulce finds the right balance between comedy and drama. He plays his character with the brain of a child and the heart of a young man with a braying laugh that never gets annoying. The supporting cast including Jeffrey Jones, Roy Dotrice, Elizabeth Berridge and Cynthia Nixon all hold their own roles very well.
The film's final half hour is a striking moment to behold. In there, Mozart talks to Salieri about their music as Mozart becomes ill. This is a great narrative gem of a film that will put a smile and maybe a tear on both lovers and non lovers of classical music alike.
FYI: This is the director's cut version of the film. Both versions are highly recommended to watch.
Rating: 4 Stars