Film to Remember Amadeus, a film originally written as a play by Peter Shaffer. Follows the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, through the eyes of his bitter rival, Antonio Saltier. This film is arguably one of the most immerse pictures ever written, earning academy awards for best picture, sound, and cinematography. Of course, a movie claiming to be an Interpretation of Mozart life must contain an astounding soundtrack. Not only delivering an entertaining array of music to the audience, but also choosing compositions that seamlessly flow with the time period of the film.
Amadeus not only fulfills this, but excels so much so, that this interpretation feels more like a biography. Boasting two academy awards for best lead actor and one for best writing, the actors beautifully portray the persona of their 19th century counterparts. It is in this combination of elements that create such a fantastic picture and pave the way for it’s success. However, with not much known about Mozart personal life, some say Forman took his interpretation of Antonio Saltier too far, and that the picture Is historically flawed. And after directing something as respected as one Flew over the
Cuckoo’s, Mills Forman must be held to a higher standard of critique. Despite this, not only was Formant’s Amadeus a box office hit, but this fantastic film stepped out from It’s predecessor’s shadow and Into it’s own spotlight. With an astounding budget of over 18 million dollars. Amadeus emerged as a spectacular masterpiece In the film industry. With 8 Oscar: best picture, best actor, best director, best writing, best art direction, best costume design, best sound, best makeup, and best actor in a leading role this film is a true masterpiece.
It’s miraculous sets, paired with beautiful music of he era, create a visually Immerse environment for the viewer _ Although the beautiful shots and creative genius are apparent in the making of this film, one can not ignore the performance of F. Murray Abraham. Abraham transforms himself into Antonio Saltier, a prideful court composer whose Jealousy towards Mozart is endless. Galleries hate towards Mozart festers for so long, he becomes Insane. It Is from a small mental ward that we beautifully explore the world of Mozart through Galleries biased accounts.
This performance earned him an Academy award and rightfully so, as you ill feel butterflies Just listening to the poetic words of Saltier as he describes Mozart composition over the peaceful and soothing melody of a classical orchestra: “On the page it looked nothing. The beginning simple, almost comic. Just a pulse – bassoons and basset horns – like a rusty squeezebox. Then suddenly – high above it – an oboe, a single note, hanging there unwavering, till a clarinet took over and sweetened It Into a phrase of such delight!
This was no composition by a performing Maloney This was a music I’d never heard. Filled with such longing, such unfulfilled ongoing, it had me trembling. It seemed to me that I was hearing the very voice of God. ” Amazing, how one can fit so much raw emotion into a simple monologue. It is this expertise that creates such a beautiful film. Abraham’s narration continues throughout the entirety of the film, adding a needed element crucial to the pictures success.
Success that could not be attained without the combination of superb acting, stunning camerawork, and a flawless story to create the groundwork for this from it’s creator’s. If you were to scrutinize Amadeus as a factually correct movie, you Mould be in for a long days work. Peter Shaffer, the original writer of the screenplay, has called his work a fantasized version of the facts, and admitted that he never Intended it to be a true representation of Mozart.
With many people completely clueless of the 19th century, and even more so Mozart himself, this film gave many people an experience of Mozart and Saltier that is Just untrue. In the film Mozart was depicted as much more immature and innocently ignorant than history leads us to believe. We also know that Saltier never actually despised Mozart as the film so Obviously expresses. This information can easily be attained by anyone who cared to search it, and obviously Amadeus would be lacking without this harsh divide between Solider and his rival.
Although the film is scattered with missed facts here and there, for example Mozart had two children and not one, it is understandable for this film to stretch the truth slightly to give the audience an experience that would otherwise be ruined. Therefore, this can easily be overlooked and barely takes away from the film’s immerse experience. Any film that offers as much as Peter Shaffer Amadeus must be recommended. The domination of the artistic elements in his film are apparent, and it will leave you wanting more and more.
Although Mills Forman has a huge act to follow, Amadeus is Just as heart wrenching and spirit filled as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. We see all the greatest and worst feelings in this perfectly crafted picture. Love, Joy, Jealousy, depression, all of which we can connect to. The artist’s vision was completely fulfilled in this huge blockbuster. I recommend this film to every person who wishes to experience a story of failure and triumph, love and hate, revenge and regret. Amadeus will hum on in your memory long after it’s emerged you into it’s vast world.