Film Review: "Amadeus" (1984)The Saul Zaentz Company, formerly-based in San-Francisco bay area, engages Academy-Award winning Director Milos Forman, known for directing "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) starring Jack Nicholson, here bringing actor Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham as nemesis fighting character Salieri, who like no other despises the genius of world-famous figure of "Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" (1756-1791), here so undeniable twisted to the favors of Italian composer "Antonio Salieri" (1750-1825), who as court-composer in Vienna under Emperor Joseph II, inferior-to-gracefully performed by Jeffrey Jones, who actually portrays the Monarch of having no-ear for subtelties as no-major-talent Emperor, but nevertheless ruler of the splendid and majestic in fabolous-recreated Vienna of the late 18th century, who then enjoys any premiere-striking production coming out of solely-owned court-created on-stage production company when Mozart's first Viennese opera "The Abduction from Seraglio" (1782) finds critical acclaim with Emperor Joseph II (1741-1790) but no instant-classic approval with "one-yawn-giving" due to an over three-hour-production, when Salieri schemes the utmost of dark desire dramatic push-ins of sabotage "Amadeus" forth-coming, when at the face of Death the two man unite to a "Requiem" masterpiece composition for the enternal musician groundbeaks.This eight-times Academy Award winning "Best Picture" of 1984, whose viewing had been the last wish from brain-cancer-dying François Truffaut (1932-1984), who so legend says had been a visit by Milos Forman at his Neuilly-sur-Seine apartment in Paris, France to grant another masterful filmmaker a vision to die for.Copyright 2018 Cinemajesty Entertainments LLC

Ohhh yes, the 180 minute behemoth that is Ama-flipping-deus! This is exactly what I wanted and more. A loud orchestral musical score, lavish period costume drama and outstanding performances. I got it all. Clearly not enough reviewers talk about this 1984 Best Picture winner. Not sure why, it's masterfully crafted. An illustrious rivalry between Court composer Salieri and young newcomer Mozart that's so tiny in scope, but epic in scale! Where do I even begin with this beauty!? Both a visual and aural treat that celebrates the work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The sublime music is beautiful interwoven into the narrative which makes the biopic absolutely spellbinding. Salieri is just as fascinating and important as Mozart. Played phenomenally by F. Murray Abraham, Salieri is maddened with envy after discovering Mozart and his divine musical gifts. He literally utilises any means necessary to see that Mozart fails as a composer, but beneath this cold exterior is an individual who yearns for greatness. The fear of his work being forgotten and diminished by a far superior talent. It's a bittersweet tale, one that hauntingly resonates with me. Tom Hulce was impeccable as Mozart, the laugh alone was stupendously charismatic. Forman's direction was perfect, embedding luscious operas into a savage rivalry. Using classical music to push the story forward. It was just sublime, it really was. The period costumes were accurate and authentic. Vienna's rich and lavish lifestyle was conveyed eloquently. The script was sharp and injected plenty of charisma into these characters with many subtle humorous moments. The first act does take a while to get going, but once the ignition is on Amadeus is the gift that keeps on giving. So so so close to perfection. May need to watch the theatrical cut to see if the first act is tighter.

Among the other wonderful films of Milos Forman, "Amadeus" reigns supreme. It is a masterpiece of the highest caliber, a film that flows like a gentle stream on a midsummer's eve as angels dance in the softly moonlit sky. It also has fart jokes. There is not a moment that feels unnecessary or tedious, there is nothing to add or subtract as this film is, like the finest of Mozart's operas, a pitch perfect masterpiece. The performances are astonishing and often humorous, the script is filled with wit and intrigue, the cinematography is astounding, dropping the viewer in the middle of the 18th century in a manner that is enjoyable for the most modern of audiences, and the music is, of course, brilliant. Brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT!-a word that describes this film with total accuracy. It is not only a brilliant film, it is a brilliant film about brilliant people, and the entire concept of brilliance itself. It is a celebration of one of the most brilliant artists ever to grace the world, and it captures his struggles, triumphs, comedies, and tragedies in a manner that is no less than BRILLIANT!

Amadeus, despite its title, is really not about Mozart. It is about Salieri, who is the court composer for the Austrian emperor and witnesses Mozart's rise from child prodigy to child-like adult. Salieri wants nothing more than to compose beautiful music, but instead his own mediocrity is made all the more apparent when contrasted to the seemingly divine talent of the impish Wolfgang, which irritates him to no end. Salieri's feelings of inadequacy resonate with anyone who has badly wanted a talent for themselves only to see it "wasted" on someone else who didn't appreciate it.The movie itself is beautiful in every degree- costumes, set, direction, and especially orchestration. With a soundtrack that is almost completely written by Mozart himself and which helps to guide the film, no other score can come close and the entire spectacle is a treat from start to finish. Though some complain about the lack of realism and introduction of fantasy into the events surrounding Mozart and Salieri, that should not be a deterrent. If you want strict accuracy then watch a documentary or read a book. This movie is meant to entertain, and entertain it does. This is a must see for any film buff, lover of classical music, or for anyone who has ever labored in the shadow of true genius.