Review of Amadeus (1984) by Pankaj P — 24 Nov 2014

Amadeus is a period film that interprets the character of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of his rival composer Salieri, the cour composer to Emperor Joseph II. The film was shot mostly in Prague, a city with such a quaint and mysterious quality about it that it almost seems unreal. Prague is the stand in for 18th century Vienna where the film is set, and it is an interesting choice because Mozart was always more appreciated in Prague than in Vienna, so much so that he chose the Teatro di Praga (now known as Estates) for the Premiere of his two part opera 'Don Giovanni'. The cities' wonderful palaces and castles are featured throughout the film, and the Estates theater is used to stage the reenactments of Mozart's operas. There could hardly be a more fitting place to film.

The film is often darkly amusing, and the story is told in a very compelling way. Salieri reflects on his past, particularly as it relates to Mozart. He narrates the story of how he became a successful composer in Vienna and his eventual acquaintance with the young composer from Salzburg. His relationship with Mozart deteriorates more and more as the story unfolds until he comes to completely despise him. Salieri's one request to God as a child was that He "make me a great composer". In return he devotes himself to God and to virtue. Mozart's incomparable talen makes evident that God had not chosen him for this purpose after all. In many ways Mozart is his oppossite. He is impious, irreverent, and arrogant, and he shows little respect for Salieri as a composer. But Saleri sees in Mozart the talent he desires and he resents Mozart for this. He cannot come to accept that God would endow such a "perverted, obscene little man" with a gift of musical talent to be cherished by many generations while his music fades into obscurity. Consumed by jealousy, Salieri secretly attempts to ruin Mozart, often using his influence to suppress Mozart's music, even though he secretely admires the music, recognizing its greatness when others fail to perceive it.

The film is incredibly well acted, especially F. Murray Abraham's preformance, and the direction and screenplay ties in with the music in a seamless way. It amazes me how perfect everything about this film is, from the acting, to the set design, to the use of the music, and of course, the outstanding sceenplay. Everything came together for director Milos Forman on this one. I think Amadeus is one of the best dramas ever to be captured on film. Certainly there are other contenders for the crown of greatest drama, but I think Amadeus is at least one obvious choice.