Review of Amadeus (1984) by Brandon W — 10 Feb 2016

Amadeus is a rare treat for both cinema fans and regular audiences alike. It is a period film that doesn't lull one into sleep and at a staggering 3 hour run-time, that is by no means a small achievement.

Director Milos Forman adapts the dark and brooding play by Peter Shaffer and turns it into a splendid comedy with bits of dramatic tragedy to it. Those expecting an accurate biography of either Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or Antonio Salieri should look elsewhere as this is a purely fictional work.

However, that being said, it is the reason that the film is so great. The portrayals of both composers are what really elevate the picture. Tom Hulce, known to so many as "Pinto" in Animal House, is an absolute delight to watch as Mozart and his high-pitched giggle kills me every time.

The level of arrogance and immaturity he displays is, without question, a revelation. Of course, he does get a chance to convey dramatic emotion and when he does he is magnificent. Most actors would stick with one side of the spectrum or the other, but Hulce brings his A-Game throughout and never lets up.

The truly transcendent (and eventual Academy-award winning) performance, however, comes from Abraham's vengeful and passionate Salieri. As he conveys his tale of revenge against God to a Priest in an asylum, the level of true passion and love is never left in question from his performance.

The scenes where he describes how incredible Mozart's music is to him are mesmerizing, hearing him describe the structure and composition without over-dramatizing it. Consequently, the battle between Salieri and God leads to an ultimate irony at the very end.

Salieri loves Mozart's music, but cannot stand the fact that the vulgar little boy was given such incredible talent and he was given the talent of a mediocrity. He is the one who ruins Mozart and indirectly causes his death, but now he is doomed to never hear the man compose another masterpiece.

Pure Irony and it is glorious!