AMADEUS

I’ve previously viewed two films directed by Milos Forman. I consider both of them to be among the best films I’ve seen. They are Hair (1979) and The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996). And now, added as another favorite is his Oscar-winning Best Picture (awarded in 1985) Amadeus.

I must be honest in admitting that for the first two hours, I kept trying to figure out what exactly I was watching. What was I supposed to be taking away from it? Was this a drama, a comedy, a dark comedy, a period piece, a satire, a farce, a biography? Upon reflection, the answer is yes! And no! Letting go of my need to make the film be only one particular genre over another allowed the concluding third hour to be even more engrossing. And then, of course, the final three minutes place a huge enlightening bow on the entire multi-sided gift that is Amadeus. [No spoilers!]

The movie is based on the Broadway play of the same name, and while it’s about real people, the feud between the two main characters is purely fictional for the purpose of telling an extremely well-crafted story. Italian composer Antonio Salieri (F Murray Abraham) is a man struggling with his spiritual beliefs as he believes that creative genius is evidence of the presence of the Christian god. He longs to experience such genius, but when it is presented to him in the form of the rapscallion Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salieri isn’t gratified. Instead, he’s filled with anger and jealousy which only serves to keep him further from obtaining enlightenment and satisfaction in his own musical endeavors.

F Murray Abraham is outstanding and won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal. His scenes are heavy and brooding, filled with deceit and longing. The film is told through the eyes of his character. Scenes centered on Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) on the other hand are light and seasoned with frivolity and childish whimsy. Hulce is brilliant at portraying Mozart’s reluctant but necessary engagement with social norms and class-based protocols. And that uncomfortable, high-pitched laugh is priceless! He too was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal. When both actors share scenes, the chemistry is an incomparable delight, and the question of who is victor is always unresolved.

From a standpoint of all things cinematic, this movie is solidly one of the finest I’ve seen. Acting, directing, soundtrack, storytelling, and pacing are all integrated with the same precision and technique as the very musical compositions central to the movie’s plot.