A grand piece of work!

Rating: 8/10 (31 March 2001)

Now I never been a big fan of classical music. However, that didn't stop me from liking this film. I'm the kind of person who will adjust to almost any kind of music--except for maybe country--as long as it fits the tone. I love the use of Beethoven's symphony in "A Clockwork Orange." It went beautifully with the whole hypnotic tone and mood of the film. I can say the same thing about the music in this film.
"Amadeus" is not just an arthouse film, aimed squarely at "arthouse geeks." It is as artistic as it is entertaining. Hulce gives an amusing, yet brilliant portrayal of the great composer. My Dad feels his portrayal, giving Mozart an "idiotic" persona, was completely innacurate. But I never knew Mozart. So I can't judge. I also thought F. Murray Abraham, who so rightfully picked up an Oscar, was great as Antoine Soleiri. However, I felt they overdid the makeup in those scenes of his later years. He looked like something out of a horror movie.
"Amadeus" gives great insight into the composer's life, contains beautiful art direction and costume design and music just envelops you. Milos Forman gives us this picturesque atmosphere that couldn't be captured any better. And I also admired its many moments of comic relief. So this should be an enjoyable film for virtually all audiences. My only protest is its overlength. It starts to lag during the third act, and my interest gradually slipped away. So I still regard "Amadeus" as a hugely impressive piece of motion picture magic; a few more minutes in the editing room and this could've been perfect.