Amadeus

If this were Mozart's biography, Amadeus would have failed, but Forman was interested in something quite different from a historically based picture from the life of a genius. His Amadeus is a riveting story of a conflict of exceptionalism and mediocrity, the perfect typology of such a conflict, which unfortunately always takes place in a similar way, regardless of time and place. Tom Hulce's performance is one of the greatest acting performances that has ever taken place before my eyes, but acting generally works in Amadeus as in few other films. A huge compliment goes out to Forman for the perfect connection between music and storylines, the scenes with the conducting Amadeus are magnificent, not to mention the "Requiem", which Mozart dictates in a fever to the incomprehensive Salieri (Confutatis Maledictis... that scene always fills me with a lot of emotion!). This is a moment that fulfills the meaning of the word "drama". The new director’s version may slow the film down a bit, but at least the character Constance deserved more space. Miloš Forman – a brilliant composer of form and content! (01/31/2004)

Lo and behold. America provided Miloš Forman with the honor of filming the story of probably the most famous composer of all times, and he made up his mind that he wouldn’t do it anywhere else but in his homeland. That’s how it came to be that the film takes place on the streets of Prague or in the Estates Theatre in the middle of the worst times of the communist oppression in the 1980s. Hats off. I, however, naturally mustn’t forget about the fact that everything about this movie is perfect. Perfect! I’m curious – how many movies do you know about which you could say the same? (07/07/2013)

Finally I saw this highly praised film and I can only say that it is praised absolutely rightfully. Hulce and Abraham created beautiful and vibrant characters and presented the dramatic story in a way that will simply entertain you. The set design is magnificent, and even if you don't like opera, thanks to the fact that you only see fragments of it, you will be thrilled, just like by the way that back then essentially unknown actor managed to play a genius. You will believe him every second. (12/22/2015)

The first film by Miloš Forman that didn’t make me bite my nails out of boredom. Amadeus may seem too long, boring, and distant as a period drama to some people, but it is exactly the opposite. The enthusiasm for the subject matter is immense, and the whole film is filled with emotions. The Oscar-winning F. Murray Abraham excels the most in the role of Salieri, but Tom Hulce is not bad either, although his character was much more complex. I expected clumsy dialogues and the typical sterile camera work, but I was surprised here as well. Everything works brilliantly, even the enormous running time is not a problem. Throughout the entire 180 minutes (Director's cut), you have your hands full trying to keep up. The highlights of the film are undoubtedly the scenes from the opera performances and, of course, Mozart composing music and playing the piano. Hulce's improvisation is unbelievable, and Forman's directorial ideas (combining music, thoughts, and images) are often phenomenal. It is a pleasant surprise and a significantly above-average rating is a given. (10/28/2006)

An incredibly impressive film about a genius whom God favored, but the world did not. About mediocrity that couldn't accept its role. About an emperor who had no musical ear. About Amadeus, Salieri, Constance. Thanks to the extended version, Amadeus is truly a well-crafted and timeless piece of work. Watching it in its entirety is a bit tiring and takes away the energy for the rest of the day, but it is definitely worth it for the audience until the very last minute. (04/02/2006)