In 1984, Milos Forman brought a true masterpiece to the cinema. A truly remarkable film filled with great acting, beautiful costumes, the atmosphere, choreography, directing, and each scene is like art. Amadeus is an exceptionally deep thought provoking film. I can’t praise this film enough. Amadeus tells the story of the first rock star through the eyes of his enemy, Antonio Salieri, who becomes mad with obsession for Amadeus Mozart. The film starts out with an old Salieri trying to commit suicide, but ultimately fails and is taken to the mental hospital. The priest visits him and so Salieri tells him the story of his jealousy and hatred for Mozart. Salieri wished to be famous since he was a young child and he worked hard to become the court composer of the Emperor of Austria. He craves and desires appreciation and fame as a composer until one day Mozart enters into his life. At first Salieri is overjoyed to finally meet Mozart until he meets him. He views Mozart as stupid, ignorant, crude, vulgar, and a undefined young man. Thus, starts his jealousy. He becomes insanely jealous of how beautiful his music is and how such an oblivious young man could write it such flawlessness. Salieri’s jealousness soon turns to hate and he sets out to destroy Mozart, but it becomes difficult to describe Salieri as a villain. He becomes so much more and at times we surprisingly do feel sorry for him. Even at his darkest moments the viewer can sympathize with him.
People always ask why the film is titled Amadeus since the film essentially is about Salieri or even name it at the very least “Mozart” or “Wolfgang”, instead of Mozart’s middle name. Amadeus in Latin means “Love of God” so simply put the object of God’s adoration. So the title fits in so perfectly. Salieri doesn’t just show dislike towards Mozart, but at God also: “Oh what sublimity, what depth, what passion in the music! Salieri has been touched by God at last. And God is forced to listen! Powerless, powerless to stop it!” So Amadeus doesn’t really stand for Mozart, but the recurring theme constantly shown throughout the film.
Tom Hulce’s performance as Mozart is simply unforgettable and his laugh is the funniest thing I have ever seen on film. His feminine laugh always happens at the most inappropriate times, which makes it even funnier. That laugh of Mozart’s makes me laugh so hard that my ribs hurt. F. Murray Abraham is perfect for the role of Salieri, the way he holds back his hatred when he’s around Mozart in public is simply perfect. From his facial expressions to his many emotions, one wouldn’t even think this is acting. The viewer can get lost in these scenes thinking that they are truly happening right now in the moment. The film has drama, comedy, suspense, music, rivalry, and murder! This film is pure perfection. When those credits begin to roll the viewer will realize they have watched a true masterpiece and you don’t want to leave till the tranquil music finally ends. Once in a while there’s a rare film that blows you away. This is that film.
5 out of 5
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