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Amadeus

Play trailer Poster for Amadeus PG Released Nov 13, 1984 2h 38m Biography History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 156 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.
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Amadeus

Amadeus

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Critics Consensus

Amadeus' liberties with history may rankle some, but the creative marriage of Miloš Forman and Peter Shaffer yields a divinely diabolical myth of genius and mediocrity, buoyed by inspired casting and Mozart's rapturous music.

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Critics Reviews

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Jake Cole Slant Magazine Amadeus is one of the greatest film portraits of an artist for capturing the essence of their work. Feb 23, 2025 Full Review Jay Scott Globe and Mail Decorated with a powdered-sugar sweetness and creamy lavishness unseen since the days of Josef von Sternberg, and performed by an eager to please, rootin'-tootin' American cast that would be comfortable in Oklahoma!, Amadeus is junk food par excellence. Aug 8, 2022 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune The subject of artistic creation is typically handled badly in the movies... [Amadeus] treats the subject of creativity in a fresh way. Rated: 3.5/4 Jul 11, 2022 Full Review Michelle Swope Elements of Madness Forman’s Amadeus is a breathtaking, divine tragedy. Amadeus is a beautifully exhilarating, outrageous feast for the eyes and ears. The 4K restoration perfectly preserves the gorgeous look and sound of the theatrical cut of a timeless masterpiece. Rated: 5/5 Feb 28, 2025 Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect The Oscar-nominated performances and powerful script make Amadeus a must-watch, bringing Mozart's genius and Salieri's rivalry to life in stunning 4K. Rated: 4.5/5 Feb 25, 2025 Full Review Stephen Silver The SS Ben Hecht Found an irresistible angle in telling the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by routing it through the bitter jealousy and hatred of his less-talented rival, Antonio Salieri (40th anniversary) Rated: 4.5/5 Sep 20, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bruce K Antonio Salieri and Tom Hulce are brilliant and hilarious. One of the few movies that I rewind instead of fast forwarding. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/26/25 Full Review Jon G An absolute masterpiece Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/16/25 Full Review Jacob B Strip away the period settings and costumes, and even try and look past the fact the main characters are historical figures, what you have left is a fascinating dramatic comedy that is a very honest depiction of the artistic process and the artistic temperament—and all the envy, pride and ego that are necessary ingredients. It also begs the question as to how we can or should separate the artist from his art. The author (of both the play and the screenplay) simply uses Mozart as a springboard for his ideas; he is not interested in writing a factual biography of the man, thank heavens! This is far more interesting. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/12/25 Full Review AnActor E Amadeus was written by the wonderful playwright Peter Shaffer, who I met in Manhattan as an acting student. A kind and charming old man, he was moved to tears by the then premiere of his niece’s play. Shaffer’s works involve a great deal of practical dialogue, and we often cold read them to each other in class. The success of Amadeus onstage lead to the film adaptation; an enduring production criticized for its historical inaccuracies. It’s true that this film takes liberties with what we know of Mozart, but I believe that creativity enriches the movie, especially since we’re informed this is fiction. Amadeus’s introduction oozes character and vulnerability, quickly enchanting the viewer. F. Murray Abraham is completely invested in his part, and the passion with which he works is inspiring. Tom Hulce devised his character’s unusual laugh, which you will hear in the film. His portrayal is boisterous and energetic! In order to trigger genuine feelings in an audience, an actor must honestly live the script’s moments as if they were his own genuine experiences. While watching this film, notice how natural the actors appear: their poses are ordinary and their gestures mundane. You can recognize their feelings because they aren’t embellishing. Every aspect of this film is peak cinema and among the highest quality that Hollywood achieves. The acting, at times, may feel very eighties, due to lack of European accents and the American ensemble. This is, however, a small defect in an otherwise flawless film. Amadeus teaches us how love becomes envy due to wounded pride, how we often see others as a threat, and how very destructive we can be to each other. Winner of endless accolades and eight Academy awards, Amadeus is essential cinema and a timeless classic. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/09/25 Full Review Darryl T Great movie but slightly flawed due to the various historical inaccuracies. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/01/25 Full Review Leprechaun K A perfect movie in everyway. Directing, acting, cast, cinematography, costumer design, setting, score..... Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/28/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Amadeus

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Movie Info

Synopsis Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.
Director
Milos Forman
Producer
Saul Zaentz
Screenwriter
Peter Shaffer
Distributor
Orion Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co
AMLF
Rating
PG
Genre
Biography, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 13, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 18, 2016
Runtime
2h 38m
Sound Mix
Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround, Dolby
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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