Amadeus Review

However, when he learns of the arrival in Vienna of his time's greatest musical genius, he is impelled to come see this person whose name he has always known. This person is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri recognizes greatness in Mozart's music, however, he is horrified to find that the man he admires is a childish man who chases women, drinks, and has little or no respect for the manners of decent society. Salieri's repugnance for Mozart grows as he gets to know him and witnesses his musical talent. Salieri brims over with jealousy when he hears Mozart's music and realizes God has blessed Mozart with the gift of music, not him. Believing God to have placed his favor upon an undeserving individual, Salieri views this situation as a reproach from God and becomes determined to strike back. He burns the crucifix and declares war on His Heavenly Father. Salieri then becomes obsessed with conspiring against Mozart and uses his own influence to get in the way of Mozart's career at nearly every turn until he eventually kills him. Only in the end, however, does Salieri realize he has not defeated God, for Mozart's music endures while Salieri's music fades into obscurity.
             Amadeus is an excellent film that has the ability to expose Mozart's music to many who otherwise would have not experienced it. Also, to present Mozart, his character, his life, his times, and his rival in such an interesting and dramatic way inspires curiosity toward him and his music, whereas a dry documentary or biography would have caused one to quickly get bored or lose interest.
             Mozart's operas, piano concertos, and symphonies dominate Amadeus with each of his musical pieces chosen as much for their dramatic impact as for their charm. Mozart's operas, piano concertos, and symphonies were carefully selected and placed where they would amplify the on-screen action. Also, his operas, piano concertos, and symphonies chosen not only complement the screen action, but they form an aural portrait of Mozart.