First came the play…
"Amadeus took the theatre world by storm, winning a host of awards, and running for over 1000 performances on Broadway.
And then came the film…
And more surprisingly, it was great… not a second-rate rip-off, not an uninspired American money-making franchise. It adds ... Read review
Amadeus triumphs as gripping human drama sumptuous period epic glorious celebration of ... more
the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – and as the winner of eight 1984 Academy Awards including Best Picture (produced by Saul Zaentz) Actor (F. Murray Abr...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Amadeus triumphs as gripping human drama, sumptuous period epic, glorious celebration of ... more
the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - and as the winner of eight 1984 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (produced by Saul Zaentz). Actor (F. Murray Abraham),...
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Bright, colourful, gripping story Disadvantages: May seem dated, purely fictional story
...and surprising death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, complete with pauper's grave, pouring rain, and the dramatic 'Requiem Mass for the dead' bringing it all together.
* * * * *
It is always difficult to write a review without giving away too much of the story… Wolfgang Mozart is played by Tom Hulce (who also appeared in 'Animal House', I was informed by 'The Simpsons'). Peter Shaffer's original Mozart was vulgar and charming, with ... ...In the film we see a deeper Mozart, all the above, but also flamboyant, colourful, honest, driven to poverty and alcoholism, exhaustion and depression. With the same 'Romeo and Juliet' prophetic foresight of tragedy, I felt great pain at the knowledge that this wonderful, handsome, young genius was going to die, either in the hands of fate, or a jealous villain.
Which leads me to Antonio Salieri. A great composer at the time of Mozart, ... more
First came the play… "Amadeus took the theatre world by storm, winning a host of awards, and running for over 1000 performances on Broadway.
And then came the film… And more surprisingly, it was great… not a second-rate rip-off, not an uninspired American money-making franchise. It adds to the 'Amadeus' phenomenon instead of watering it down, and I will tell you how… Mozart didn't die. He was re-born on film instead of stage, and his charm captures our hearts all over again.
* * * * * It all started when 'Amadeus' writer Peter Shaffer was cornered by film director Milos Forman after the first preview of the play at the National Theatre, London, in November 1979. His enthusiasm, his insistence that 'Amadeus' was perfect for a film, meant that in 1982 their collaboration together began. They were not to create a hybrid, neither play nor film, but instead 'a new work, another fulfilment of the same impulse which had created the original.'
And it does this. The storyline is similar to the original, but with additions rather than edits. Antonio Salieri is an old man, visited in an asylum by a young vicar. As he is dying, to this young innocent audience Salieri pours out his sins in his final confession… who killed Mozart? How? Why did they do it? The plot is clever and has surprising twists. It is a great cinematic tragedy that ends (famously) with the untimely and surprising death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, complete with pauper's grave, pouring rain, and the dramatic 'Requiem Mass for the dead' bringing it all together.
* * * * * It is always difficult to write a review without giving away too much of the story… Wolfgang Mozart is played by Tom Hulce (who also appeared in 'Animal House', I was informed by 'The Simpsons'). Peter Shaffer's original Mozart was vulgar and charming, with a sordid sense of humour, heart-warming childishness, and squeaky laugh. In the film we see a deeper Mozart, all the above, but also flamboyant, colourful, honest, driven to poverty and alcoholism, exhaustion and depression. With the same 'Romeo and Juliet' prophetic foresight of tragedy, I felt great pain at the knowledge that this wonderful, handsome, young genius was going to die, either in the hands of fate, or a jealous villain.
Which leads me to Antonio Salieri. A great composer at the time of Mozart, he is now almost forgotten. The film really reveals the murderous envy that could have been present. He is played by F. Murray Abraham, who won an Oscar for "Best Actor In A Leading Role" when this film was released in 1984. He succeeds wonderfully at looking both genuine and sinister at the same time. At the heart of the story is the antagonism in Saleri's character; his search for eternal fame which drives him to destroy Mozart; and his almost spiritual ravenous need to listen to Mozart's perfect music. How can a character like this be both friend and enemy?
One of my favourite parts of the film is its dramatic climax. This scene was not in the original play, and of course never happened in real life (like the rest of the story). Mozart, at his death-bed, has a night-long encounter with Salieri, and instructs him to write down part of the 'Requiem Mass'. It was extremely moving for me to see the great master, composing as he dies, building layer by layer of harmony, the most beautiful and haunting music, which ironically turns out to be a memorial for himself.
* * * * * If I have any criticisms of this film, it would be that by today's standards it seems a bit dated. There are no special effects (although it is set in 18th Century Vienna, so there's only so much you can get away with). The acting on the whole is convincing. But there are certain characters who you could groan at. I thought Constanze, Mozart's wife, was a little ditzy and boring, even slightly annoying. I think it was the clash of accents, Mozart's American twang, Constanze's European influence (if I recall) and star-studded cameos, such as a young Simon Callow, adding a touch of BBC English.
But on the whole I greatly admire this film, its attention to detail, and despite the fictitious nature of the plot, the film makers tried to ensure authenticity in costume and location. In some writing I have by Peter Shaffer, he describes six months of filming in Prague, in what was then Czechoslovakia. Shaffer describes how it was possible to 'turn a camera there in a complete circle and see in its frame nothing built after Mozart's death.' Apparently, the local residents were only too happy to dress up in period costume, which gives another air of stepping back in time. (Although I'm not sure how different Prague is to Vienna).
There is a great sense that nothing happens by accident in this film. Every detail is considered. Milos Forman, the director, re-creates a ballet as it would have been in Mozart's time, and the Tyl Theatre used for filming was the very theatre where 'Don Giovanni' was first performed.
You don't have to have seen the play to get a lot out of this film; you don't need to know Mozart or his music. For me this film was a great introduction to opera and Mozart, as it is packed full of his music. And if anyone says that this film isn't true to the play, neither are true to history. And besides, Peter Shaffer who wrote the play helped co-write the film. So I don't think it matters in the slightest.
* * * * * If I've got you interested in 'Amadeus', the DVD has a few extra features. I've been searching the web and I can't find what these are… I only watched the DVD, I don't actually own it. All I can find is the two disk directors cut edition. But the version selling here is the single disk version. If I remember correctly, it had a lengthy list of credits, and some information about the making of the scenery. There aren't enough extras really, so I suggest the 2 disk version. What I really loved watching, though, was the trailer (perhaps I'm just sad). But having seen the play, I found it hilarious to see the words at the start of the play coupled with the best scenes of the film, to spring onto screen all the life and high energy, to give a quick-witted summary. I'm so glad they put this in as it sums up all of what's good in the film.
If you would like to find out more about 'Amadeus' I suggest you read my other review entitled 'Amadeus - The Death of Mozart'. If you get the chance see the amazing play, and if you are a fan of 'The Simpsons' look out for a wonderful spoof episode with Bart playing Mozart, and Lisa as Sally-Airy. It made me laugh anyway. This is a wonderful film and I highly recommend it.
Amazon sells the 2-disk set for £14.99. I'm struggling to find a price for this edition.
* * * * * DVD Details:
Actors: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice Director: Milos Forman Genre: Drama Classification: PG Production Year: 1984 Number of disks: 1 Studio: Warner Home Video; The Entertainment Network Release date: 07/12/1998 Screenwriter: Peter Shaffer Special features: Interactive Menus, Extensive Production Notes, Scene Access, Music Only Soundtrack Aspect Ratio: 2.35 Wide Screen
* * * * * Awards won:
OSCAR: Best Actor In A Leading Role 1984 (F. Murray Abraham) OSCAR: Best Director 1984 (Milos Forman)
* * * * * Reviews:
"Hulce gets better and better. Forman has preserved the fascinating heart of the play....Well done." (New York Times, 19th September 1984)
"An unexpected and strangely moving spectacle." (Sight and Sound, 1st March 1985)
Advantages: based on ane excellent play Disadvantages: Mozart's laugh
Amadeus began life as a stage play, written by Peter Schaffer (who has written many superb pieces including 'Equus')This is a very stage orrientated play, with Salieri speaking directly out to the audience. For anyone who has seen it live, it does not appear to be ideal film fodder. However, in 1984, director Milos Forman took Amadeus to the screen. The film does vary from the play in a variety of ways, altering the way in which Salieri narrates, ... ...was court composer for Joseph the second. He was not a vastly talented man - his music is good, but tends to be a touch repeptative. When young composer Mozart arived at the court, Salieri's position was threatened. That's the history. Schaffer then explores what it might have been like to be a mediocre composer faced with the awareness that a true genuis has arrived. Salieri, in the play, might have coped with Mozart had the young composer not been ...
Bryn_Pearson 02.01.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Amadeus (DVD)
Advantages: Stunning music, script, story , acting and cinematography Disadvantages: 8 Oscars - So what could possibly be wrong?
The title refers to Antonio Salieri (played by F. Murray Abraham who won best actor) , the narrator in flashback , of this stunning 1984 film directed by Milos Forman, winning of eight academy awards , including best picture. Based on Peter Shaffer’s play with a superb score of Mozart and Salieri music performed by Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted and supervised by Sir Neville Mariner.
I am reviewing this because I purchased it ... ...two sider which includes copious production notes, biographies and a music only soundtrack. It runs for around two and half hours, an absolute bargain.
The story is told as a confession by Salieri to the priest in the asylum where he now housed. He tells of how he was court composer, but his position was threatened by the upstart hooligan Mozart, who on the one hand was incredibly frivolous and not at all suited to life at court, but was incredibly ...
mikeydred 21.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Amadeus (DVD)
Advantages: not a performance out of place, often amusing, consistently entertaining, excellent music(naturally) and an interesting storyline to match! Disadvantages: Probably not for everyone, but you won't know till you try!
...myself has never heard of Amadeus before I saw it, which amazed me somewhat as it such an excellently performed and fascinating film. Based on the rise and fall of the composer Mozart told through the eyes of an aging and tortured Antonio Salieri(played exceptionally by F. Murray Abraham)it paints Mozart as a(and I quote from the back of the box here) 'a bawdy hellraiser. A screeching, raucous child. And the composer of the greatest music ever written.' ... ...his own jealousy that this man would be blessed with the voice of God, and he just the mediocre ability despite his pledge to God himself of chasity. And so he describes of his own plan of how to destroy the musical genius.
Wolfgang Mozart, who is illustrated perfectly by John Hulce as a somewhat naive but arrogant young man is employed by a Viennan Count to write for the national theatre. And while his pieces are breath takingly wonderful, the ...
arcadionseyes 01.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Amadeus (DVD)
Advantages: superb musical score, 8 academy awards, well acted Disadvantages: None
I loved this film. It is a gripping drama about the life and works of Mozart. If you are a Mozart fan then you will love this film. It is a great celebration of the talented composers music. Set in 1781 it follows the life of the composor from childhood to his death.
A memorable soundtrack accompanies the film throughout and the acting quality is superb
Released in 1984 this film won eight academy awards including best picture, best actor and best ...
jonwhite 16.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Amadeus (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent transfer from stage to screen Disadvantages: Those accents
"Amadeus" is about the life and works of Mozart, who seems to be hailed nowadays as the musical Shakespeare, the greatest composer who ever lived. Surprisingly then, Mozart is portrayed as childish, lecherous, and insensitive - but capable of producing the most brilliant music. "I am a vulgar man, but there is nothing vulgar about my music," as he says.
Unfortunately, rival composer Salieri is waiting in the wings, envious of Mozart's talent and ... ...in the composer stakes, but deserves to as well. With this in mind, Salieri's underhand machinations send Mozart to an early grave.
In fact, Salieri is a far more interesting character, as he is fuelled by his human hatred but equally aware of the crime he is committing. The film is funny and fascinating, with some brilliant set-pieces (as in the scene where Mozart re-plays and improves from memory a short piece that Salieri has composed in his ...
NeilHudson 24.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Amadeus (DVD)
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I have a particular soft spot for the music of Mozart and this 1984 film based on Peter Shaffer?s 1979 stage play and directed by Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest), is therefore a firm favourite of mine. But rather than celebrating the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart directly it focuses on the reminiscing of an aged and insane Antonio Salieri - the ?forgotten? court composer of Emperor Joseph II at the time of Mozart?s time in Vienna. Although the historical details of the plot are no more than hearsay and supposition, this hardly matters. The story is so beautifully written and moving that you cannot help but be moved by it. I don?t want to give too much of the story away as I would hope that you would want to go away and experience it for yourself. Rather than spoilers, I would prefer that you had pointers!
I first ...
Advantages: Great Casting, Costumes, Score, Scenery, Acting, Plot, Dialogue Disadvantages: May be a little too long for some, definitely not an action film
Based on the play of the same name, this film charts the rise and fall of the great composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told through the eyes of Antonio Salieri, the VIennese court composer of the time. Salieri grows up worshipping Mozart, and admiring his works above all else, but finally meets the man, and finds that he isn't exactly what he seems...
From start to finish, we are greeted with new recordings of Mozarts most powerful works, to accompany some superb set design and stunning period costume. The streets of Vienna are recreated in vivid detail (the film was actually shot in Prague, which at the time had far less of a modern touch), giving you an amazing feeling of actually being there.
The acting is top notch, the way that you sympathise with each character (I'm trying hard not to ...
Advantages: lovely DVD for babies and young children Disadvantages: can become pretty boring for the adult watching
The Baby Einstein company was begun by a mother called Julie Aigner-Clark - she must be absolutely loaded by now! The company now produces toys, books, CDs and Discovery cards as well as numerous DVDs.
The idea behind this DVD is that it's something that really small babies will enjoy and will be stimulated by [if you're expecting this to turn your 4 month old into a genius you will be sadly disappointed, they'll still just lie there on the playmate dribbling, no matter how many times you put this on!]
I have three children with 18 months between each so I found the Baby Einstein DVDs a wonderful way to keep toddlers occupied for a few minutes whilst I was on the sofa feeding the baby.
The music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is played throughout the DVD. It is very soothing and the Baby Einstein company have compiled special 'child ...
Milos Forman's riveting, brilliant, Oscar-winning AMADEUS is a fictionalized account of the real-life mysterious death of Mozart. Tom Hulce starts as Mozart, with F. Murray Abraham as turning in an Oscar winning performance as the brilliant composer's adversary, Salieri.
Interactive Menus, Extensive Production Notes, Scene Access, Music Only Soundtrack
Aspect Ratio
2.35 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Award information
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 1984 (F. Murray Abraham)
OSCAR
Best Director 1984 (Milos Forman)
OSCAR
Best Screenplay Based On Material Previously Produced Or Published 1985 (Peter Shaffer)
Professional reviews
Review
"...[Hulce] gets better and better....[Forman] has preserved the fascinating heart of [the play]....Well done." (New York Times, p.C23, 19/09/1984)
"...An unexpected and strangely moving spectacle..." (Sight and Sound, p.142-3, 01/03/1985)
"...AMADEUS is loaded with pleasures....[Abraham] is quietly excellent..." (Variety, 05/09/1984)
DVD Description
In a lavish 18th Century parlor in Austria, an elderly man is found, by his servant, with his throat slashed. The wound is self-inflicted, and the man is the little-known composer Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), contemporary and adversary of the now-famed, but once reviled, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce). Later. from his cell in an insane asylum, Salieri tells a priest (Herman Meckler) the story of his association with Mozart, confessing that he actually killed the brilliantly gifted but troubled young man. Based on the award-winning play by Peter Shaffer, Milos Forman's riveting, brilliant, Oscar-winning AMADEUS is a fictionalized account of the real-life mysterious death of Mozart. Abraham, in the role that won him the Best Actor Oscar, is the celebrated court composer to Joseph II (Jeffrey Jones)--his confidence and religious dedication shaken when he meets the boorish 26-year-old Mozart as he chases his future wife (Elizabeth Berridge) around a party while making obscene remarks. Furious that this clownish boy can produce such beautiful music, Salieri determines to keep Mozart's talent from lasting recognition and sets himself on a course for Mozart's destruction that leads to his own as well. Mozart continues to mount beautiful, moving operas (incredibly staged in the film), but becomes obsessed with writing a Requiem as his friends, family, health, and resources waste away, Salieri's manipulating presence always there. In a lavish 18th Century parlour in Austria, an elderly man is found, by his servant, with his throat slashed. The wound is self-inflicted, and the man is the little-known composer Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), contemporary and adversary of the now-famed, but once reviled, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce). Later. from his cell in an insane asylum, Salieri tells a priest (Herman Meckler) the story of his association with Mozart, confessing that he actually killed the brilliantly gifted but troubled young man. Based on the award-winning play by Peter Shaffer (writer of SLEUTH and THE WICKER MAN), director Milos Forman's riveting, brilliant, Oscar-winning AMADEUS is a fictionalized account of the real-life mysterious death of Mozart. Abraham, in the role that won him the Best Actor Oscar, is the celebrated court composer to Joseph II (Jeffrey Jones)--his confidence and religious dedication shaken when he meets the boorish 26-year-old Mozart as he chases his future wife (Elizabeth Berridge) around a party while making obscene remarks. Furious that this clownish boy can produce such beautiful music, Salieri determines to keep Mozart's talent from lasting recognition and sets himself on a course for Mozart's destruction that leads to his own as well. Mozart continues to mount beautiful, moving operas (incredibly staged in the film), but becomes obsessed with writing a Requiem as his friends, family, health, and resources waste away, Salieri's manipulating presence always there. It is hard to imagine anyone--whether they are knowledgeable about classical music or not--who would not be held captive by this superb feast for the eyes and ears, a film whose excellence can be felt in every detail.
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