Amadeus Review: Genius and Envy at the Austrian Court
9/10 — Amadeus (1984)
Pros
- Abraham and Hulce are superb
- Beautiful music and costumes
- Witty, tragic story
Cons
- Historically unreliable
- Long in the director's cut
The ageing composer Antonio Salieri recalls his bitter jealousy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a vulgar prodigy whom he believes God has favoured with unfair gifts. Milos Forman’s film won eight Oscars, including Best Picture.
What works
F. Murray Abraham is superb as the tortured Salieri, and Tom Hulce is a manic, giggling Mozart. The staging of the operas is lavish, and the music is used to thrilling effect, particularly in the Requiem sequence.
Where it falters
The history is heavily fictionalised, and at nearly three hours the director’s cut is long.
Verdict
Rich, tragic and funny, with sublime music.
