♥ I'm now a humanities student in Bristol and almost a doctor. Yay! Esther x ♥
♥ I'm now a humanities student in Bristol and almost a doctor. Yay! Esther x ♥
Member since:05.05.2005
Reviews:42
Members who trust:42
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)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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you're obviously in love with the film as i am, and usually that will produce a partisan review with insufficient regard to the man who wouldn't like it. however i am that partisan as well and this must be your lucky day :)
hebawom 07.07.2005 15:26
That was meant to read - "play"
hebawom 07.07.2005 15:25
Nice review! I saw the plat last month. Surely the film can't be as good!!
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),...
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!
arcadionseyes 01.05.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Amadeus (DVD)
Advantages: Great Casting, Costumes, Score, Scenery, Acting, Plot, Dialogue Disadvantages: May be a little too long for some, definitely not an action film
May 22nd, 2005
exceptional by (4%):
very helpful by (96%):
