Amadeus (1984)
Raiting: 
8,3 /10
Genre: Biography
Director: Milos Forman
Stars: Tom Hulce, F. Murray Abraham and Elizabeth Berridge
Country: United States / France / Italy
Release date: 19 September 1984
Length: 160 minutes / 180 minutes (director's cut)
"Amadeus," directed by Milos Forman and released in 1984, is a dramatic retelling of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from the perspective of his contemporary and secret rival, Antonio Salieri. The film is a fictionalized biography that explores themes of genius, jealousy, and the sometimes fine line between admiration and envy.
The film opens with an elderly Salieri attempting suicide, claiming to have murdered Mozart, and is subsequently placed in an insane asylum. There, he confesses to a young priest his story of rivalry with the prodigiously talented Mozart. The narrative then transports us to the court of Emperor Joseph II in 18th-century Vienna, where Salieri is a court composer. He first encounters Mozart at a performance and is immediately struck by the contrast between Mozart's vulgar personality and the divine beauty of his music.
As Mozart's fame grows, Salieri becomes increasingly jealous of his effortless genius and the recognition he receives, especially when he sees his own influence and work overshadowed. Despite his envy, Salieri is also deeply captivated by Mozart's music. He cannot help but acknowledge the sublime quality of his rival's compositions, which he believes is music that could only be created by the voice of God. This realization drives Salieri to question why God would choose to bestow such a gift upon Mozart, whom he sees as unworthy, while ignoring his own devout piety and dedication.
The film continues to chronicle Mozart's life, including his financial struggles, his relationship with his wife Constanze, and his prolific output of masterpieces, all seen through the lens of Salieri's growing obsession and covert antagonism. Salieri's envy turns to sabotage, as he uses his influence to hinder Mozart's career while posing as a concerned and helpful associate to the increasingly troubled and overworked composer.
In the final act, a desperate and ill Mozart is anonymously commissioned to write a Requiem Mass, a commission that Salieri is secretly behind. Salieri, disguised as a mysterious benefactor, pushes Mozart to work on this piece even as his health deteriorates. Ultimately, Mozart succumbs to his illnesses, leaving the Requiem unfinished. Salieri, in his own mind, has won, but at the cost of his sanity. The film concludes with Salieri being wheeled through the asylum, declaring himself the patron saint of mediocrity as he absolves his fellow inmates of their own inadequacies.
"Amadeus" is a rich, opulent production with lavish costumes and sets that recreate the grandeur of 18th-century Vienna. F. Murray Abraham's portrayal of Salieri won him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and the film itself won several Oscars, including Best Picture. While historically inaccurate in many respects, "Amadeus" is a powerful and poignant exploration of artistic rivalry, the nature of creativity, and the mysteries of genius.
Top cast - Amadeus (1984)
Trailer - Amadeus (1984)
"Amadeus," directed by Milos Forman and released in 1984, is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the tumultuous life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the envious eyes of his contemporary, Antonio Salieri. This film is not merely a biopic; it is an exploration of the complex interplay between genius, mediocrity, jealousy, and the human condition. With its sumptuous visual style, stellar performances, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, "Amadeus" is a film that transcends its period setting to deliver a timeless narrative.
The narrative framework of the film is ingeniously constructed, with an elderly Salieri recounting his memories to a priest, providing an unreliable yet fascinating point of view. F. Murray Abraham delivers a tour de force performance as Salieri, perfectly capturing the character's awe, obsession, and eventual descent into madness. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and it remains a benchmark for character acting. Tom Hulce, as Mozart, brings a vibrant, if historically exaggerated, energy to the role, embodying the eccentric genius with a mix of impish charm and vulnerability.
One of the film's most striking features is its use of music. The soundtrack, consisting of Mozart's own compositions, is not only a backdrop but a central character in the story. The music serves to underscore the emotional landscape of the characters and provides a profound insight into Mozart's creative genius. The film's attention to detail in the musical performances, from the choreography of the opera scenes to the authenticity of the instruments, enhances the immersive experience.
Visually, "Amadeus" is a feast for the eyes. The lavish set designs, the intricate costumes, and the careful lighting all contribute to an authentic portrayal of 18th-century Europe. The cinematography captures both the opulence of the era and the personal drama with equal effectiveness, creating a rich tapestry that complements the narrative. Milos Forman's direction is deft, balancing the grandeur of the setting with the intimate character moments, and never allowing one to overshadow the other.
While "Amadeus" takes considerable artistic liberties with historical facts, this does not detract from its impact as a film. Some may find the length of the film and the depth of its character study demanding, but the payoff is a nuanced and compelling portrait of two contrasting musicians: one touched by the divine and the other cursed by his own ordinariness.
In conclusion, "Amadeus" is a remarkable film that offers a rich, albeit fictionalized, glimpse into the life of one of the world's greatest composers. Its exploration of artistic creation, ambition, and the human psyche resonates with audiences even decades after its release. The film's enduring legacy is a testament to its quality, both as a historical drama and as a profound meditation on the nature of genius. "Amadeus" is not just a movie about music; it is a symphony in itself.