Amadeus DVD > Reviews > Night at the opera

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	Excellent transfer from stage to screen
Disadvantages:	Those accents

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

"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 the harsh knowledge that not only is Mozart beating him 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 honour, which brilliantly shows up the relationship between the two men.) How far it is historically accurate I couldn't say, but I suggest the viewer approaches it with caution in this respect. I would probably recommend it more for the general viewer than for the music student.