Streaming Gems: Amadeus (1984) - Opinion
Photo from Variety
From Shane Conto
How do you make a fresh biopic when the formula has been so over used already and most films comfortably lean right into that place? There are plenty of different ways filmmakers have reframed the biopic but few have done it with such mastery as Milos Forman with his incredible film Amadeus. This is the story of the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart except…is it really? This “biopic” is much more about obsession, competition, and the delusions of the human spirit. The story of a mediocre man who believes he has divine abilities but a brutish child takes away everything he ever dreamed of. Now THAT is a compelling story.
Outside of a compelling and well made cinematic experience, what makes Amadeus such an impactful, critically loved, and timeless film? There is so much depth of ideas and conflict in this period drama. The relationship that Salieri, as told by his elderly self to a preacher no less, has with God is compelling enough for a whole film. He prayed for his father’s death in order to get the opportunity to escape his life of poverty and rural living. The commentary on religion and the wrapping of belief and faith is quite compelling. The way God and faith fit into Salieri delusion is impactful and poignant. There is also the deep exploration of competition and jealousy. The way that Salieri sees Mozart from his perspective is probably different from who the real Mozart was. But this shrill, childish, and hedonistic young man is the foil to Salieri and we witness the destruction of both men thanks to the jealousy that Salieri has.
How does Forman make Amadeus standout from a cinematic perspective? The technical aspects of this film are off the charts. There are few films that can challenge this period drama from a design perspective. The production design of all these palaces and opera houses are incredible. The costuming is some of the best ever put on film. The hairstyling and makeup is incredibly accurate. The framing of every shot is so intentional and effective. There are few films from the 1980s that look this gorgeous. The music and sound of the film are key with rival composers being the protagonist and antagonist. When the music is played, it is engrossing and epic in scale and scope. This is a towering achievement of filmmaking.
But who are the real MVPs of this cinematic classic? F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce. Salieri is a complex and delusional character who is so self-righteous and reserved in public but so catty and petty in private. Abraham walks the tightrope of this dichotomy so well. He is a talented actor with great range and weaves together a character so unremarkable in talents but so compelling in his warped perspective on the world. Salieri is truly out there and without an anchoring and powerful performance, this character would have easily turned into a joke. Instead this performance is layered and compelling at every turn as Abraham guides us through the story. Hulce is SO big for such a small man. Mozart is a giant in personality but such a small boy in maturity and world view. Hulce brings an authenticity that speaks so well on screen. You believe that this brutish and crass manchild is a true genius as well. Hulce is the unsung hero of the film and his choices, including his maddening laugh, are perfect.
Why should you take the time to watch a period drama that won Best Picture back in the 80s? This is no standard stuffy period drama that screams “Oscar Bait”. This film is incredibly human and raw underneath the glitz and glam of this incredible time period. There is a universal conflict and compelling themes. The performances from this whole cast are pitch perfect. Milos Forman created a towering cinematic experience that begs to be watched.
You can find Amadeus (1984) streaming on Netflix.
