Amadeus Explodes Off the Screen in Grand Fashion

Rating: 10/10 (1 May 2007)

Amadeus represents a humanistic film on the grandest stage. An excellent period drama, the film draws the viewer into Romantic Vienna, cultivator of masterful talents, and home to a foreigner, the young, extremely talented, and quite conceited Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film beautifully contrasts Mozart's poor handling of his immense talent with his rival, Antonio Salieri's, contemplations on mediocrity and his attempts to carry out his only wish, to be the mouthpiece for God through his music.
Alas, it could not come to fruition for Salieri, as he must sit back and admire the genius of Mozart while at the same time be appalled by his chauvinistic and childish mannerisms. Salieri always acts with composure toward Mozart and never ceases to assist the man in his times of need. Behind the scenes, however, Salieri questions his faith, even burning the cross of Jesus in a powerful scene. The man cannot understand how God could make Mozart the instrument of such musical beauty.
The movie Amadeus is the centerpiece for some of the finest music ever put on film. The film's music is a character of its own, always in the background enhancing the action on screen. The film, despite its length, feels like a true journey into the heart of two men driven by music. It is hard to watch Mozart mishandle the great gift that he was given, but it is more painful to watch Salieri unable to move past mediocrity despite all of his attempts.
Without question, this is one of the finest films ever crafted. It features amazing performances from the cast, and the script is amazingly adapted by the playwright Peter Shaffer. Its 8 Oscars are duly noted, for Amadeus presents itself on screen like few other films have in history.
A powerful example of jealousy, humanity, talent, and music, the film Amadeus serves as an instrument for bringing the genius of Mozart to life and for bringing the real drama of two men's struggles onto the big screen in a very entertaining and emotional way. This film is a masterpiece of cinema, and one of the most deserving 10s I have ever reviewed.