Review of Amadeus (1984) by Stephen C — 15 Sep 2013

Quite possibly one of the best films of the 1980s director Milos Formans take on the life and death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is full of great performances stggering sets and beautiful images.

Thats not to say the story is lacking Peter Shaffers script opens up his West End play and gives it room to function on its own as a cracking story of madness jealousy and death.

F Murray Abraham plays Salieri court composer to Emperor Joseph the Second of Austria .

The emperor has a tin ear for music but is quick to lavish praise on Salieri and his works.

Into this comes Mozart a child genius who was composing when he was 8 and is now set to become the talk of all Vienna with his fantastic works.

Mozart is everything Salieri is not a drinker a womaniser and most of all a brilliant composer with talent beyond Salieri and his mediocre works.

Of course the court composer becomes increasingly jealous and does everything in his power to prevent Mozart becoming a powerful force in the Emperors court.

This leads to Salieri to force Mozart to compose a requiem despite the fact Mozarts health and wealth are fading fast .

The film is a staggering testament to both Mozart as a composer and Formans skill as a director.

Tom Hulce plays Mozart with a School boyish charm with an annoying giggle and a tate for the finer things that life can provide.

Abraham has the less showy role but he is the best thing in the film as we see Salieri consumed by hatred of his younger rival.

At almost 3 hours long the film never becomes boring at it looks astounding.

Even if you dont like classical music there is plenty her to engage and entertain with a director working at the peak of his powers.

A truly great film about a truly great composer.