Amadeus is incredible.

There are films about music, and there are films about music makers, and then there's THIS film. I think the character of Salieri (not the historical Salieri) was a genius choice for the vehicle of this story. Because a film celebrating Mozart's music would be fun, but a film that's a character study of a guy who KNOWS Mozart's music should be celebrated, but can't bring himself to do it, because he's angry at God --- well THAT ladies & gents, is the difference between Amateur and Pro. Salieri became his father. He criticized his father in the beginning bc his father could not appreciate music (only commerce). But Salieri the grown-up loses HIS ability to enjoy the most glorious music of his era. He becomes the philistine that he saw in his father. Why? Because Salieri tried to put God in a box. Because he prayed prayers that were unworthy of a true lover of music, ie a true seeker of God's gifts. So Salieri was passed over. God made "Amadeus" his favored one and made sure that Salieri had a front-row seat at the concert. Like you said, James, Salieri had a golden opportunity to become Mozart's genuine friend. Maybe, just maybe, that friendship would have rubbed off on Salieri and elevated his own art. Not to Mozart's level, but above where he (Salieri) was on his own. Regardless, a friendship would have allowed him to witness Mozart's creative process regularly, up close, as an insider. Instead this is something that Salieri chases as an outsider through the whole movie, using bribes and betrayal, always just a few steps behind. Just when he thinks he's captured that "insider" experience, he's thwarted yet again -- for the final time. That locked GLASS cabinet (so symbolic -- he can SEE the music but he can't TOUCH it) is the cruelest cut. Because he was so, so close. You're right, this movie should be way better known than it is. But that's kind of a theme in this movie, is it not? Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Something of tremendous beauty can be right in front of you, available for you to enjoy, but if your mind and heart are not in the right place to receive it, then you won't. I hope the Amadeus reaction videos will help restore some prominence to the movie and make it more visible (audible?) to new generations of fans. This was a top-notch reaction. Gotta commend you again, both for a great choice of movie and for your observations and insights. Thank you!

Brilliant! I don't know if you've much interest in theatre but there's an excellent stage rendition of Amadeus from the National Theatre Live that's well worth watching too (particularly for Lucian Msamati's turn as Salieri).

Yeah, it is very hard to get ahold of the theatrical cut. Macabre Storytelling has a good video comparing the two versions. Apparently the theatrical cut is mostly better paced, but makes one of the best lines in the film nonsensical.

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar

I watch it at least once a year!

Jon Bradley

Yayyy! So glad you enjoyed it!

Sonia Deepak

Movie is based on a play about him. So all those loudmouth folks whining about ‘it’s not exactly accurate to his biography’ should tihs tae.

ChickensAreRacist

I assume it’s the directors cut? I hear the original cut is hard to find. Not complaining of course.

ChickensAreRacist

Hahaha great choice! Can't go wrong with Monty Python's films!

James Adams

Back when I was in my early 20s, I was a student at Cleveland State University and I went to see their orchestra do Holst's "The Planets" on a night during this time of the year. After the show, I took two hits of acid on the way home on the bus and when I got home, I went down to my room and put on Amadeus. Considering how long the movie is, I was pretty much peaking around the point where Mozart was dying and he was decomposing and everything. Great film, but boy, that was pretty emotionally taxing, so I put on Monty Python's Flying Circus to get me back in a more positive mood and it worked like a charm. I shared this on the poll thread, but I'm sharing it again cos I feel like it. It was quite an interesting experience with a truly phenomenal film.

Bert Taverner

Amadeus is one of the single best crafted movies ever. Love hearing this

McLovin

Soooo glad this won the poll finally! Hope a whole new audience will Add this to their favorites list.

Irish Lass

Yup!

James Adams

Is fargo coming tonight?

Ivan Vas