Review of Amadeus (1984) by Forrest P — 12 Sep 2010

I absolutely loved it. I loved the music. I loved the acting. I loved the characters. I loved the costumes. I loved the art direction. I loved the screenplay. I loved everything about it.

The screenplay is funny, touching, and, most importantly, incredibly intelligent. This is not a film to be underestimated with its characterization. What they did with the character of Mozart himself is most impressive. He seems eccentric (to avoid using words like ?crazy?) and yet also a genuine genius.

Amadeus stars F Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri in a performance that is absolutely remarkable. The best part about his performance were the scenes in which he is describing Mozart's music to the young priest. This is where Abraham was able to bring music to life through a character.

This film is a celebration of classical music. And I love classical music. And anyone who has ever loved classical music is guaranteed to love this movie.

Tom Hulce also stars as the man Mozart himself in one of the most bizarre performances I've ever seen and perhaps will ever seen. He's energetic, enthusiastic, and wonderfully over the top. It's one of the things that made the movie so enjoyable.

But then, that's also the whole movie. Energetic, enthusiastic, and over the top. But it's not so ridiculously over the top that credibility is questioned. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, simultaneously making them laugh, inspired, and a tad nervous. Absolutely and easily the best movie I've seen of 1984.

10/10.