Amadeus Movie is basically Mozart’s story told through the eyes of his chief rival, the court composer Antonio Salieri. This is definitely required viewing for all music lovers.
Movie: Amadeus
Director: Milos Forman
Starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge
Time: 160 minutes
Movie Synopsis
Amadeus is indeed a very appealing movie, story-wise and visually as well. As the name suggests, the film is about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and each and every frame is packed with gorgeous wigs & costumes, stunning palace halls and of course fabulous music.
But the best part of the film is that it informs us Mozart’s story through the eyes of his chief rival, the court composer Antonio Salieri. In comparison to Mozart, who is portrayed here as a kind of 18th century superstar, Salieri is a painfully average composer. But that is not his curse. Salieri’s tragedy is that he is conscious of the fact that he is mediocre. He is the only one in Vienna who recognizes how sublime Mozart’s music is.
In the movie, Salieri complains that it is just as if Mozart was taking ‘dictation directly from God. The music moves Salieri to tears but in addition fills him with jealousy. Several times, he is angry at God for giving him the desire to create music but not the talent required to do so.
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Genius vs Hard Work
Lot of students think that there is something known as Talent or Genius which makes them better than most of their peers. The same question when popped to elderly person such as their parents or teachers get a different answer altogether. Experience has taught them that in the long run, it’s the hard work that matters and makes all the difference. One might have natural talent, but in the long run it is outweighed by hard work and perseverance.
Besides, there are many who are perceived to be talented but the fact is that they actually put in several extra hours to hone their craft, which makes all the difference.
So why are we talking about this in the context of this movie?
Because I don’t want any student to thing that he/she is not doing well because of lack of talent. Mozart is regarded as a musical genius and if you see the movie it portrays Mozart as a musician who is able to create music on the fly, almost effortlessly whereas Salieri is not able to do the same.
So does one rule out the “Genius” factor altogether?
Well, there could be a few who might qualify as “musical geniuses” such as Mozart or Beethoven. But then it is safe to assume that neither you nor I are one among them, and firmly believe that with determination and sustained efforts it’s possible to take your skills to the highest level possible.
This is Must Watch
Coming back to the movie, the highlight of the movie Amadeus is of course F. Murray Abraham as Salieri, and for that performance he did win the Oscar. His envious schemes to destroy Mozart’s career are ugly but also hauntingly depressing. Salieri burns with anger, animosity and above all self-hate. On the other hand, Mozart is shown as a divine fool, who without any difficulty comes up with brilliant music and also lewd jokes, without missing a beat.
Purists did point out some factual discrepancies in the film, but overall I think they are missing the point. Amadeus could possibly be part-fiction but the truth that it shows is unbelievable.
No hesitation in saying that Amadeus is required viewing!
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Also Read: The best piano themed movies
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