Milos Forman’s Amadeus is a fictional account of the relationship between two exceptional composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) and Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) in Vienna during the 18th century. It was written by Peter Shaffer from his play of the same name. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture.
Buy Amadeus (Theatrical Cut) 4K Ultra HDAmadeus is told in flashbacks from Salieri’s point of view as an old, angry, music-loving man. Salieri has recently tried to commit suicide. He is being kept in an asylum, and a handy priest comes along to hear his confession. Salieri is angry with God and relishes the idea of confessing his sins. Salieri believes that when he was younger, his only reason for existing was to create beautiful music solely to glorify his Creator. When he hears the music of Mozart, he is overjoyed with the knowledge that another must revere God as much as he. But when Salieri finally meets Mozart in person, he instantly sees that he is a boor, a lush, and a philanderer. Mozart’s first scene is one in which Salieri witnesses him canoodling with a young woman under the dining table at the Emperor’s Palace in Vienna.
Salieri changes his life goal: Instead of glorifying God with music, he will punish God by ruining Mozart. It just isn’t fair that Mozart has such great gifts and no reverence while Salieri is a strong composer, but he is nowhere near the level of Mozart. Salieri and Mozart will both be tasked with creating music, especially operas, for Emperor Joseph (Jeffrey Jones), but Mozart’s modern music makes it hard to earn money between commissions. He also is no good with money, has married against his father’s wishes, and has a new son to raise. Both men make fun of Emperor Joseph’s taste in music, but Mozart also doesn’t like the very popular work created by Salieri, and this wounds Salieri to no end.
Salieri begins a campaign to bring Mozart to his knees. He does it by playing the close friend, and there are times Mozart believes Salieri to be his only true friend. However, Salieri schemes against him at every turn. Mozart’s operas are kept to short runs, and Salieri creates an elaborate plot to make Mozart believe he is being haunted by his now-dead father. Salieri could come off as a demon, but he loves music, and, though he won’t admit it, he loves God so much that he becomes mostly sympathetic. F. Murray Abraham’s performance helps to tone down what could have been a very lop-sided contest between the two characters. Tom Hulce is a joy in the film, especially because of his ridiculous, wonderful, obnoxiously funny laughter.
Amadeus deserves its accolades. It is funny, and smart, and the music always matches the scenes with its beauty. With new 4K restoration and two excellent documentaries about the making of the film, this release of Amadeus is highly recommended.
Bonus Features:
- Amadeus: The Making of a Masterpiece
- The Making of Amadeus
