Wolfgang...Amadeus...Mozart

Lucky you, Internet! The first movie I'm throwing at you is the best one I can recommend, an oldie that just doesn't get old. I give you Milos Forman's Amadeus (1984).

Adapted from Peter Schaffer's play by the playwright himself, Amadeus tells the tragically ironic (and mostly fictionnal) story of italian composer Antonio Salieri (the jaw-droppingly fantastic F. Murray Abraham) whose sole purpose in life is to become a great composer. Having become Emperor Joseph II of Austria's court composer, he seems to be on his way up...that is until a kid named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart comes along. Admiration, jealousy, vengeance and madness ensue as Salieri, torn between his adoration for the musical genius' work and his growing hatred for God and his 'chosen vessel', orchestrates the fall of Mozart.

Internet, how does one begin to explain how masterful and brilliant Amadeus is? Filmed mostly in Czech Republic, which, back in the 80's, had still not been modernized, the movie is set in an environment that perfectly conveys the feel of 18th-century imperial Vienna. The costumes are exquisite, from the servant girl's simple frock to Katerina Cavalieri's over-the-top turkish hat. And the music...well, its Mozart's directed by Sir Neville Mariner, enough said. That's all fine and dandy, you'll say, but it still remains one of those curtsying, corset-wearing, carriage-riding, boring period piece, right? Wrong!!! Oh so very wrong!!!

Peter Schaffer's passionate words, Milos Forman's sober and intimate camera and one hell of a talented and energetic group of actors are at the core of Amadeus' captivating magic. From the very beginning, as the tormented shouts into the night of a now old Salieri s 'Mozart, forgive your assasin!' are intertwined with the first notes of the fiery 1st movement of Mozart's Symphony no. 25 in G minor, the plot completely sucks you in. Far from being regal and virtuous, the characters are flawed and profoundly human. Schaffer's depiction of Mozart is especially refreshing. Young Wolfgang is a musical prodigy, but he is also a vulgar, dirty-minded player who has such an excentric laugh, it will either make you laugh too or ram your head into a wall. As for Forman's directing style, it is well suited to the narrative. The story is told through flashbacks, events remembered by Old Salieri and detailed to a young visiting priest. From the packed opera house to the intimacy of Mozart's bedchamber, the scene conveyed feels intimate, personal, almost as if it came straight from Salieri's memory.

However, it is the powerhouse performances that make this movie cinematic gold. As Mozart, Tom Hulce is a ball of mischievous energy. Starting off as a self-assured and fun-loving young man, his slow descent into alcoholism and madness is frightening. As the dying Mozart attempting to compose what would become his famous requiem mass, Hulce is a genius (which consequently makes us wonder why the HELL isn't he the huge star he should be by now!!). Despite being occasionnaly two-dimensional, the supporting cast, notably Jeffrey Jones as Emperor Joseph and last-minute-remplacement-for-Meg-Tilly Elizabeth Berridge as Constanza, is very deserving of praise. But the show-stopper, the Oscar-deserver (and Oscar winner for that matter. Ha!) is F. Murray Abraham. As Salieri, this guy utterly OWNS this movie!!! With one look, he can convey jealousy AND admiration. His dignified and contained performance is very much in tune with Salieri's conflicted and passive-agressive character. As Old Salieri, Abraham is unrecognizable. Recluse, cynical and even slightly insane, he attracts both pity and awe.

Even after 25 years, Amadeus has not lost one bit of its magnificence. So...there it is!