Falling in Love with Mozart all over again...

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2008)

I absolutely adore classical music, and Mozart has always drawn me in. I had done the "cute little book report" on his biography for seventh grade, deeming him as a genius and giant of his day. One of those big, stuffy composers seated under a wig and a dim light at his piano, "taking dictation from God." This film warps that entire image.
My father, too, is big on classical (Masters degree on the piano), and he warned me that this is NOT what the real Mozart was like. More like a Hollywood-ized version of him. Well, authentic or not, this film is hilarious and brilliant, and I would prefer to think that old Wolfgang knew how to let his "hair hang down" and giggle in that maniacal way that Tom Hulce seems to enjoy doing over and over in the film.
Never thought I would laugh during a movie about Mozart. Never thought I would care about him beyond his music...or be moved by his personal defeats and triumphs.
F. Murray Abraham is astonishing. He plays Mozart's jealous-ridden rival, constantly at a war among envy, rage, and reluctant but inevitable admiration for so phenomenal a musician.
This movie is a favorite. I hope it becomes a classic.