A Cinema Gem

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2009)

Amadeus is a masterpiece for several reasons: the costumes, the music and the creative use of flashbacks (and the odd flash-forward)to name just three.
It is often faulted for taking liberty with historical facts; Saliari was only 6 years older than Mozart, and Mozart trusted him with tutoring his own children in music! The two may have been at odds at times (Saliari was after all Mozart's "boss") but this was perhaps a bit overplayed to deepen the plot. For example, Beethoven and Haydn had several personality differences (but who didn't fight with Beethoven at some point?!!!)but the musical world is filled with such events. I find it more likely that Mozart's frail constitution and lifestyle did him in...Oh, and Mozart had another living child at the time of his death...not shown in the film...
I found the second half of the film a "downer" as Mozart went into decline, and the film missed a great opportunity to spook the audience with Mozart's involvement in Freemasonry (chilling ceremonies) and how this association related to "The Magic Flute".
Rock Me Saliari
Amadeus ended by turning the intended target, Saliari, from villain to star both on the screen and in reality. Although great liberties were taken with the history of music, at least the costumes and mannerisms of the period were introduced to a new generation, a testament to the enduring quality of Mozart's music. The silly thread of jokes and pratfalls saved the film from the serious threat of dryness that plagues many overly-serious productions. The anti-Saliari plot is paper thin; Mozart's self-destructive lifestyle and frail constitution did him in! Abraham deserved the Oscar, but it was sad to see Hulce go empty-handed; both performances carried the film to new heights. I rate it 9 out of ten for overall effect; it transported you into a different world for a few hours, which is what good cinema should do. Highly effective entertainment/education!