Amadeus Reviews and Ratings


  • xis80
    June 4, 2008
    xis80
    one of my fave of all the times. period
  • kosovich
    June 3, 2008
    kosovich
    lots of good singing and acting. the lip-synching was done convincingly.
  • kaylaishxc
    June 2, 2008
    kaylaishxc
    Good movie about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his rivalry with Antonio Salieri. Great cast in this multiple Academy Award-winning film that has its humourous bits and its dull bits.
  • FateVictim
    May 31, 2008
    FateVictim
    I remember really liking this movie, would love to watch again :)
  • louisa2466
    May 31, 2008
    louisa2466
    This was soooo good, I expected it to be boring, but now I think everyone should see it.
  • litl80mermaidlover
    May 30, 2008
    litl80mermaidlover
    good movie! i luved it!
  • Iwata
    May 28, 2008
    Iwata
    Superb. Despite my only passing interest in classical music, this movie was a triumph. This is also due largely to the quality of the play upon which it is based.
  • julesseyes
    May 28, 2008
    julesseyes
    This was good,and unusual!
  • holmennnguy
    May 25, 2008
    holmennnguy
    Why is this known to be one of the greatest films of all time? The sets, makeup, costumes, and acting were all terrific, but the plot wasn't that strong. It's not that the movie is boring, but I just didn't feel a connection, therefore I didn't enjoy it as much as some people.
  • peezack
    May 25, 2008
    peezack
    i loved costumers at this time and this was no dissapointment the ending was so wrenching though
  • absolutnormal
    May 25, 2008
    absolutnormal
    There is just something about this movie I just LOVE!
    ::|::Favorite::|::
  • PvtCaboose91
    May 24, 2008
    PvtCaboose91
    "I was staring through the cage of those meticulous ink strokes - at an absolute beauty."


    Amadeus is a film that bears numerous adjectives with self-confidence: this film is stunning, beautiful, wonderful, powerful, amazing, incredible - and anything stemming

    ...( read more)off from these words. It's a tremendously rare event when a masterpiece like Amadeus is made; a remarkable movie of jealousy and envy that conveys the biographical story of an extraordinary individual. This film has been a critical success as both a play and a movie. It went on to win several Oscars and it still gathers tremendous acclaim during the contemporary era of cinema.


    Amadeus is the story of two composers who lived throughout the 18th century. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Hulce) is regarded as the best composer of all time. This film chronicles the period of his prime when his greatest work was composed: a time when Mozart's outstanding imagination allowed him to simply write music as if it was dictation. The film is also concerned with a second composer: a man named Antonio Salieri (Abraham). Salieri is a court composer for the current emperor (Jones). Salieri has aspirations of becoming a flourishing composer since his childhood. However his imperfect abilities are highlighted by the works of the young Mozart whose music is divine. He believes that God is mocking his mediocrity through Mozart's music, and Salieri cannot understand how God could favour such an uncouth individual as his instrument. Driven by rage and jealousy, Salieri instigates a scheme to bring about the fall of Mozart. The film is told in flashback as Salieri is now confined to a mental asylum. Now aging and slowly going insane, he tells the story of how he caused the failure of Mozart; how he gained Mozart's trust that he later betrayed.


    One must remember that Amadeus is based on a play, not on history. The film indicates that the character of Salieri was involved in the eventual death of Mozart. In history there is barely any indication at all - instead his death was recognised as a combination of alcoholism and depression. If you're expecting an elaborate film based solely on fact you may be disappointed. This is the film's single flaw.


    Amadeus is a film that never grows dreary. Although at a length of about 150 minutes you will never feel bored. Every aspect of the production is faultless. The sound and music are truly sublime; the collaboration of acting and directing is outstanding; cinematography and editing are wonderful; with costumes and art direction that are generally terrific. In short: this is almost a definitive example of crafting a faultless movie. It's long but far from overlong. Every member of the cast and crew did their job to perfection; never is a false note struck.


    The powerhouse performances are truly incredible to behold. F. Murray Abraham was correctly presented with an Oscar for 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' (actor Tom Hulce was also nominated in the same category) for his fascinating characterisation of a man fuelled by envy and antagonism. Tom Hulce as Mozart is yet another magnificent decision of the casting department. He nails the role of the multi-faceted tragic composer. No-one would ever have an image like this of Mozart in their head: Hulce displays the raw childish nature of the man. His mannerisms, inappropriate sentences, irritating laugh - all played to perfection by an actor who excels at his profession. The whole cast perfectly capture the emotional depth of the character they are portraying. Astonishing work!


    Visually, Amadeus is perfectly created. The film features sets and costumes that feel like a photograph of its period. Never is there a lack of focus in any part of the creative team. The directing in particular is absolutely breathtaking. Never is there a lapse in concentration for any shot. From start to finish, the film is exquisitely filmed and a pleasure to view. For a film that runs for 150 minutes this aspect is vital.


    Amadeus is truly a masterpiece of marvellous magnitude. A beautiful piece of art! Winner of several Oscars including Best Picture.
  • DoctorXQuinzel
    May 23, 2008
    DoctorXQuinzel
    A good film. Amazing music.
  • Ajaciet
    May 16, 2008
    Ajaciet
    LOVE the guys laugh! XDXD
  • aeon55
    May 16, 2008
    aeon55
    Best period piece I've seen... Tom Hulce's laugh is very contagious... Araham's performance is the best (enough for an Oscar)
  • immegan
    May 15, 2008
    immegan
    OMG THIS MOVIE IS AMAZING!! It's about Mozart and how he was crazy and everything. SOO great
  • LeoToTo2025
    May 14, 2008
    LeoToTo2025
    Fans of classic music, broadway shows, and movies will fall in love with this masterpiece!
  • poojasv02
    May 12, 2008
    poojasv02
    One of my favorite movies of all times!
    Fantastic acting and wonderful screenplay!
  • azdw
    May 12, 2008
    azdw
    Review will be written when/if re-watched (Probability: Low).

    First viewing: 18.02.1997
  • krasos89
    May 11, 2008
    krasos89
    Divine!!!

    Milos Forman directing another masterpiece which stars F. Murray Abraham!
  • InfamousHugo
    May 8, 2008
    InfamousHugo
    AMADEUS (1984)
    directed by Milos Forman
    starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge

    «His funeral! Imagine it, the cathedral, all Vienna sitting there, his coffin, Mozart's little coffin in the middle, and then, in that silence,

    ...( read more)music! A divine music bursts out over them all. A great mass of death! Requiem mass for Wolfgang Mozart, composed by his devoted friend, Antonio Salieri! Oh what sublimity, what depth, what passion in the music! Salieri has been touched by God at last. And God is forced to listen! Powerless, powerless to stop it! I, for once in the end, laughing at him! The only thing that worried me was the actual killing. How does one do that? Hmmm? How does one kill a man? It's one thing to dream about it; very different when, when you, when you have to do it with your own hands.»

    Amadeus is a Latin name that can be translate to «beloved of God», its a name Mozart often used as a pen name cause he was actually baptized Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, Theophilus being close to the Greek name Theophilos, which has the same meaning as Amadeus. Milos Forman's film, based on Peter Schaffer's play, may use Amadeus as its title but the film really is more about Antonio Salieri, another composer who lived in Vienna at the same time as Mozart, but the tilte very much makes sense for this historically innacurate biographical picture. While Schaffer based his idea on some possible facts, it is more an excuse to work on the theme of rivalry with characters everyone knows.

    Antonio Salieri is Emperor Joseph II's court composer. He worked hard to go there, he offered his chastity to God to receive his talent and prays every day the Lord makes to make sure his abilities will stay with him. He hear Mozart is coming to Vienna and is looking forward to see who that man is but his disappointment is obvious when he realizes Mozart is a childish vulgar conceited self-righteous genius. Mozart has gotten the gift from God that Salieri wanted for himself. He prays for justice and fairness but Salieri is a sinner, his envy, his jealousy and his vanity make him undeserving of such a gift.

    The film begins with the old Salieri trying to commit sucide.

    «Mozart! Mozart, forgive your assassin! I confess, I killed you...»

    Salieri is then taken to a mental hospital where he tells his story to a priest. He explains how Mozart's talent drove him mad but at the same time his absolute fascination for the man's work, which he couldnt deny was an absolute beauty. The film basically shows how Salieri was torn up between his love for Mozart's music and his jealousy. A two-faced man he was, in prescence of the composer he would offer him his help and compliment his work, with genuity, but would conspire against him when he was trying to bring something new. Salieri was simply afraid to realize all the commitments he made to God were worthless cause that litte man and his funny wigs would always be better than him. Salieri's confidence dropped and considered himself mediocre simply because he couldnt do what Mozart did, when in fact, Salieri was quite talented himself.

    «I heard the music of true forgiveness filling the theater, conferring on all who sat there, perfect absolution. God was singing through this little man to all the world, unstoppable, making my defeat more bitter with every passing bar.»

    Those only elements in the film, not necessarly in real life, cause apparently, even if there might have been a real rivalry between the composers, they had respect for each other and that rivalry was ultimately sane, just like the one with see in any fields of life.

    The costumes in the film are amazing, the sets are huge, the period replica is simply impressive. The opera scenes are memorable and what can I say about the music, its simply marvellous. Im not even a fan of opera, it actually bugs me, but in this film, it just seems so beautiful, it makes me want to buy tickets. Im not particularly passionate about classical music but in this film it feels like it really is something that comes from God. There is something grotesque about the film though, Mozart's annmoying laugh, the way they eat food, those ridiculous wigs or Emperor Joseph II's ignorance about anything. It seems as if they were looking at that era with a contempted look but at the same time they seem to be fascinated by it, kind of the same way Salieri looks at Mozart in the film.

    Other than rivalry the film touches other interesting themes such as guilt and that comes with both the old Salieri who thinks he has killed a messenger of God in Mozart, but also Mozart who didnt go back his father after his instistence, who ultimately died. That becomes something major when Salieri exploits it to extort Mozart's talent, which ended up killing up because of a poisonned obssession created by Salieri's envious character.

    F. Murray Abraham is amazing as Salieri. He brings a lot of subtlety to the character, his body language, his eyes, his smiles, it's definately a terrific performance and he did deserve the praise and the Awards that he got from it. Tom Hulce as Mozart showed a lot of potential, I actually wonder why he didnt become a bigger star after that film. He portrays the genius madness of his character with such depth its just fascinating, even if sometimes it almost seems like he is overdoing it. The rest of the cast is not to be mention really, cause its basically two one-man shows in one film. Except maybe Elizabeth Berridge, who plays Mozart's wife with the right amount of innocence that part needed. While Im at it, Jeffrey Jones, mostly known as Ferris Bueller's principale, as the Emperor Joseph II, nails his part perfectly and really does look as ignorant as his character.

    Amadeus is fictious work on one of the greatest classical composer to ever live, but it maintains some hidden truth. Its an amazing character study which is wonderfully directed by Milos Forman who understands his characters and film his story as if it was a true epic. With great cinematography, terrific editing, wonderful acting, powerful direction, indepth writting, Amadeus is what I consider a masterpiece and definately one of the best films I have ever seen.

    «All I wanted was to sing to God. He gave me that longing... and then made me mute. Why? Tell me that. If He didn't want me to praise him with music, why implant the desire? Like a lust in my body! And then deny me the talent?»

    Salieri is done telling his story, a man comes him and take him, pushing his chair in the middle of those people affected by madness. Salieri is one of them, maybe it was all just a delusion and it didnt really happen that way, maybe he didnt kill Mozart, maybe it really was just like it was in real life.

    «Mediocrities everywhere... I absolve you... I absolve you... I absolve you... I absolve you... I absolve you all.»
  • TheGame90
    May 6, 2008
    TheGame90
    A really good and well made movie with a lot of passion. But the disrespecting laughter was uncalled for
  • CSNC
    May 5, 2008
    CSNC
    F. Murray Abraham at his best moment.
  • GJDWriter
    May 1, 2008
    GJDWriter
    I liked this movie when it came out, saw it when I was it college. Actually, I need to see it again. (As my friend Ginn said): "It may not not be a very realistic bio-pic." (See her review on my page). But I would have not have a problem seeing it again as as a rental or gi...( read more)ving it as a gift to someone.
  • cdsfire
    April 26, 2008
    cdsfire
    A polished look at a dirty, interesting life of a mad musical genius.
  • franx1111
    April 26, 2008
    franx1111
    film passionnant, avec des prestations magistrales des acteurs. Seul défaut.. le rire insupportable de Mozart ;)
  • dooritor1
    April 20, 2008
    dooritor1
    music has the power for great emotion levels. this touches them ALL.
  • 24000Baci
    April 20, 2008
    24000Baci
    The first time I saw this movie I was 7 and it blew me away. This movie is worthy of a movie collection.
  • CaeruleanXII
    April 20, 2008
    CaeruleanXII
    One of my very favorites.
  • wrdinc
    April 19, 2008
    wrdinc
    i saw it in middle school and i was hooked that mozarts name was wolfgang amadeus. fanscinating
  • Wdv
    April 13, 2008
    Wdv
    Magnificent, not just the movie but the music as well.
  • ceWEBrity
    April 7, 2008
    ceWEBrity
    I think the DVD cover overhypes this movie a little bit (everything I've heard is true? That this movie is fucking long?) but it's still pretty damn awesome. Its major triumph is its pacing; seriously, it is the most exciting that a 2:40 movie about a composer could get, and befo...( read more)re you write off that statement I promise you that Amadeus is really gripping.

    The movie is a flawlessly executed balancing act. It starts off with a bang, segues neatly into its framing device and then deftly shows us the lives of two men running parallel existences. Though the bitter, insane Salieri is guiding us through this tale, Mozart is obviously the focus; he's not the most interesting character in all of cinema but the way the movie deals with him is great. We are first introduced to him through his music, and the amount of effort that such a dumb asshole pours into it colors the character very quickly. Once we've learned just about all we can from the pieces he composes - his feelings about his father, his country, and love - the movie steps more into his personal troubles, where we watch him deteriorate beyond the point of no return.

    Salieri bears witness to all of this. He is a fascinating character that allows F. Murray Abraham's performance to do a lot of things, which netted him a well-deserved Oscar. He understates the Salieri of thirty years past, a roguish blend of malevolent and appreciative - you get the feeling that despite his blind hatred of Mozart, he cannot begrudge himself his talents. Old Salieri is batshit nuts. Abraham plays both gears perfectly, and within the context of the narrative his transformation is 100% believable. Tom Hulce, also nominated for an Oscar, keeps stride as well, though his character doesn't have nearly as much dimension as Salieri. The clash between these two personalities is massive, but never obviously delineated, and the worsening results of their infighting raise the stakes ever higher.

    Even though Mozart is kind of a slime, one can't help but feel pity for him; the deck is really stacked. Salieri, the emperor and his court flunkies are all out to get him from day one, and so much pressure ruins a man, you know? And Salieri's not innocence abused either - watching him throw away his life and his faith simply to pursue the impudent Mozart is alternately repulsive and compelling.

    Amadeus is a great character study, powerful period piece and masterpiece of technical filmmkaing. The film is a little long-winded, but what epic isn't from time to time?
  • drzhivago
    April 7, 2008
    drzhivago
    Very interesting movie about the composer and I saw it in band class which is even better! :)
  • vincentvangogh1889
    March 30, 2008
    vincentvangogh1889
    A bit slow moving, but a lavish production with enough wit and charm to make it successful.
  • smootysveen
    March 28, 2008
    smootysveen
    The music was used splendidly.
  • pooyk
    March 27, 2008
    pooyk
    Remains the most popularly successful film ever to render the inner life of an artist.
  • Savage63
    March 26, 2008
    Savage63
    Although he is my favorite composer. it might be a lil biased
  • MECreviews
    March 22, 2008
    MECreviews
    An ok movie at the time...
  • soundgardenman
    March 22, 2008
    soundgardenman
    Forman knows how to direct biopics and "Amadeus" is his best work. F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce are superb!
  • X92
    March 21, 2008
    X92
    i seen a thing about this on i love the 80's..it looks kinda funny

Summary

Amadeus Summary