Amadeus Reviews and Ratings


  • adhitr
    July 1, 2008
    adhitr
    A story about jealousy, competition and talent. Highly recommended
  • peachface1983
    July 1, 2008
    peachface1983
    I hate his laugh! so annoying lol..I like the music and Love the wigs that he wore...Especially the pink wig lol..Sad ending but ok movie..
  • JxSxPx
    June 29, 2008
    JxSxPx
    A not quite historically accurate account of the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. It has comedy, drama, music, glorious costumes, and wonderful performances. But what is it really about? What makes one man a genius, another a wannabe? How and why is such immense talent given t...( read more)o people so undeserving? It is really a film about art masquerading as historical drama. Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham are a fantastic duo, and each give Oscar worthy work. Abraham won, but Hulce as the proto-decadent rock star was probably a very close second choice. The first time I watched this film I was taken aback by the grandiose musical numbers, they are opulent and beautiful. The costumes alone are a sight for all of the detailed jewelery, ruffles, and layers. Mozart's punk pink powder wigs are a glorious anachronism. The entire film is filled with anachronisms and factual errors, but they make it more entertaining. None of the principal cast members, besides Abraham, talk with the correct accent for their national origin. It's most of an emotional historical film than a factual one. From Amadeus' fast and loose playing with history and characters comes such films as Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette, depending on how you feel about those kinds of films, love it or hate it for that.
  • leftys4leafclover
    June 27, 2008
    leftys4leafclover
    I don't remember a lot of it........
  • DragonEyeMorrison
    June 27, 2008
    DragonEyeMorrison
    Murray Abraham's annoying narration keeps me from giving this more stars.
  • panvanessa
    June 26, 2008
    panvanessa
    Maravilhoso! Uma biografia, fantasiosa ou não, da vida e carreira de Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, contada pela visão de seu arqui-rival Salière.
    Inveja, amor, pureza, genialidade, Deus. Todos esses assuntos são abordados de forma magnífica, acompanhada pelas magníficas óperas escrit...( read more)as no fim da vida de Mozart. Destaque paras cenas finais, onde Mozart escreve seu Requiem com a ajuda de Salière. Uma obra prima para o cinema e para os amantes de música clássica.
  • codykimmel2
    June 22, 2008
    codykimmel2
    Schaffer's brilliant conveyance of Mozart's compositional process - F. Murray Abraham's killer performance - extraordinary.
  • MetalMario2
    June 21, 2008
    MetalMario2
    About as historically accurate as Disney's "Pocahontas", but a great movie nonetheless.
  • themadmosquito
    June 20, 2008
    themadmosquito
    pretty, if historically innacurate. Tom Hulce's laugh KILLS me
  • liamdonaghy16
    June 18, 2008
    liamdonaghy16
    Amadeus Amadeus! Amadeus Amadeus! Dr. Zaius Dr. Zaius! Oooooh Dr. Zaius!
  • madrieajavan
    June 18, 2008
    madrieajavan
    Wonderful, wonderful music.
  • MovieGeek13
    June 17, 2008
    MovieGeek13
    Beautiful, wonderfully acted and consistently watchable. This is a biopic that ventures deep into the inner thoughts of characters and how their desires motivate their actions.
  • lucianoevangelista
    June 17, 2008
    lucianoevangelista
    A fine piece of art,the direction and the sound effect is superb. The story is good, and the opera scenes are deep and moving.

    A fantastic movie, where despite and hate are very well mixed with admiration and envy.
  • nickybabe20052
    June 13, 2008
    nickybabe20052
    thought it were rubbish
  • laney33
    June 11, 2008
    laney33
    An all-time favorite for me. One of the few movies I own.
  • maxlilleyman
    June 11, 2008
    maxlilleyman
    The story of Antonio Salieri as he comprehends his mediocrity at the hands of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Captivating and surprisingly moving. Must see if your a drama fan, or even if your like me an inbetween genres, it is a brilliant way to pass 3 hours.
  • hobster1
    June 10, 2008
    hobster1
    Vulgar and elegant all at the same time.
  • WishingUponAnAngel
    June 9, 2008
    WishingUponAnAngel
    The most amazing biographical movie ever. Period. Absolutely stunning presentation of (if not so much a completely faithful biography of WAM) a splendid new perception of a musician's life.
  • rockhardkid95
    June 8, 2008
    rockhardkid95
    Great movie, I really really love it

    plus Elizabeth Berridge is hot in this movie, lol.
  • waynessxygrkgrl
    June 8, 2008
    waynessxygrkgrl
    had to watch this in highschool... lol but strangely i liked it
  • 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.

Summary

Amadeus Summary