Amadeus - Director's Cut (1984)
Proof that there's a fine line between genius and insanity
Starring: F Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones, Charles Kay, Kenneth McMillan
Director: Milos Forman
Running Time: 173 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: pg
Drama
On DVD This is the fictionalised story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) as told from the perspective of Antonio Salieri (F Murray Abraham). Salieri is Court Composer to the Emperor of Austria (Jeffrey Jones), where he is well-respected by his peers. All the court has been hearing stories of the prodigy Mozart, and when Salieri hears that this genius is coming to the court to play he is keen to meet the young talent, wondering if this prodigious gift from God will show itself in the character of the man. Although Salieri comes to believe that Mozart's music is the voice of God, he is most disappointed to discover that this 'angel' is in fact a crude, vain, lecherous and silly young man.
Salieri is overcome by jealousy that this 'common' person has been so blessed with the talent and ability that he himself has striven for all his life. This becomes a bitter hatred towards both Mozart and God, and he plots to use his not-insignificant influence to make Mozart's life at court as difficult as he can. These schemes too often backfire, and Mozart comes to think of Salieri as his only friend at court. Finally, Salieri comes up with his master plan - he will find a way to manipulate Mozart's demise, but first he needs a Requiem to play at the funeral of his 'beloved friend'.
'Amadeus' is an outstanding film from start to finish. Stunningly beautiful to look at, every frame is a visual delight. The cast do a tremendous job with this difficult screenplay, filling it with energy and giving their characters plenty of life and depth. In particular, mention must be given to F Murray Abraham for his Salieri - both likeable and terrible simultaneously. If there is a complaint to make, it is that the American accents make themselves obvious and the use of American slang is grating - Mozart drawling 'ass' is just one example. However, the most significant thing about this film is Mozart's music - wholly moving on its own, it is used throughout the film in such a way as to make it at least half the story.
DVD Extras: This two-disc Director's Cut DVD offers 20 minutes of extra footage, plus digitally restored and remastered picture and sound.
The 'Making Of' offers some funny moments and plenty of insight into the making of the film.
Extras: Director's commentary, The Making of Amadeus, Theatrical trailer.
It's Got: 8 Oscars including Best Picture. One of the most beautiful soundtracks on film.
It Needs: To lose the American accents and slang.
Alternatives: Dangerous Liaisons, Immortal Beloved, The Red Violin
Summary: A most beautiful film with an outstanding script performed by fine actors, and music that speaks for itself.
Review by Andrea Chee
Review Date: 13th May 2003
External Links
Amadeus - Director's Cut at the IMDB
Comments2 Comments |
| This is a great movie, and a great play. We covered it in Drama at my High School, that tells you that this is a must see! F Murray Abraham gave a great preformance as Salieri, and Tom Hulce is perfect as Mozart. (Man, the laugh of his is crazy!) After seeing the movie and/or play, it will make that episode of the Simpons so much funnier. |
| Comment by:- Deaniver | | 10 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| Most scholars note the many inaccuracies in this film, but highly applaud the way the director used music throughout the film and always at the right time. Elizabeth Berringer was beautiful, charming, and elegant during most of the film!!! However, as the wife of Mozart, her portrayal was inaccurate including being extremely vulgar at times (the nude scene showing her doing something even lowly to win over Salieri is one example and historially untrue and uncalled for in this film). Scholars also question whether or not Salieri killed Mozart. They think Salieri's "confession" is not to be taken literally. They think Salieri, in his insantity, was claiming on his deathbed that he symbolically "killed" Mozart based on his jealously and treatment of him, not that he actually physically murdered him. Jeffrey Jones' portrayal of the Emperor was outstanding. It's too bad such a fine actor has fallen since then. His talented acting abilities in this movie proves that he could have become a legendary actor. He perfectly displayed the way an Emperor would present himself in public in mannerism and in dress during the 18th century. The actor that played Salieri, F. Murray Abraham, was equally outstanding. The movie should have been called "Salieri" since the movie was basically about him and what he did and couldn't do. In my music class, all of the students (30+ students) kept talking about Salieri when the movie was over, and rarely about Mozart! His personality overpowered the film. They reacted that way because too many questions about the troubled Salieri were left unanswered by the film. Mozart was actually a devout Catholic and although scholars admit that he did like to drink, he was not the type of drunkard you see in the film. If they decide to make a new movie on Mozart, let's hope it is more accurate and more detailed concerning Mozart's life, and not the life of people surrounding him such as Salieri. |
| Comment by:- Augustine Scarlino | | 07 November 2004 | ip: logged |
