Exquisite journey into two tormented souls

Rating: 10/10 (18 April 2002)

The directors cut of Amadeus is far better than I initially anticipated. I knew I would find it satisfying since it's one of my top 20 films of all time, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was significantly better. Much like the directors cuts of The Abyss, or more appropriately, Touch of Evil's "restored" edition the film has a clearer story and smoother pace with a tighter climax. It is too bad that many studios and/or producers feel the need to shorten films for fear of the audience being lost and/or bored. One would think that with the success of so many "long" films even since the early days of the medium the industry would have learned that folks do not mind a well done story even if it is long no matter the medium.	Anyway, I had not seen this film on the Big Screen since its initial release and not on video for many years so it was wonderful to see it as it was meant to be viewed. The print was of above average quality for one that had made the rounds for sometime which was also wonderful since it let the fabulous sound resound and stir the passions of the film as it was designed. The power of the music and the imagery was nearly breathtaking (it was a small screen with a slightly aging sound system where I watched it) and more powerful than I remember as a senior in high school.	My favorite aspects of the film however are still a toss up between the score and the performances of Abrahms and Hulce, exquisite it the only word that comes close. The costumes and set where of course first rate and helped create the mood without over powering it and I found that the cinematography was more interesting and subtle than I remember. The script was witty with just a few dashes of charm which accentuated the horror and sadness wonderfully, like your favorite meal, or piece of music! It is still wonderful to delve into the depths of tormented soul as this film does so perfectly.	See this film again, especially if you have yet to see this cut!