Amadeus

I finally watched this much-praised film, and I can only say that it's praised entirely rightly. Hulce and Abraham created beautiful, vivid characters and presented the dramatic story in a way that will simply captivate you. The set design is magnificent, and even if you're not a fan of opera, seeing only fragments of it will still leave you thrilled, just as seeing how a relatively unknown actor back then managed to portray a genius. You'll believe in him the entire time. (22/12/2015)

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! (31/01/2004)

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. (02/04/2006)

The clash of genius and mediocrity in a thrilling narrative whirlwind of emotions. Forman's film is sometimes accused of historical inaccuracies, but unfairly so. Amadeus is not a biopic, but a film about the clash of two different worlds – the world of gifted talent and the world of stubborn striving – and about the toll that an incredibly gifted man must pay to be "the one on top". Tom Hulce overacts quite a bit as Mozart, but I can't imagine any other actor in the role, and F.M. Abraham as Salieri is simply stunning, it's a shame he didn't get any other big roles. It's no wonder that sales of Mozart records increased by 50 percent in the U.S. after the film's premiere. Summary: Well deserved 8 Oscars and in my opinion, Forman’s best film. (16/07/2002)

It's good, but it pales in comparison to Whom the Gods Love or the birth of Viennese opera through the eyes of one demanding night. It's important to remember that this is an adaptation of a play, not a serious biography. Peter Shaffer (and ultimately Miloš Forman) preferred a dramatic arc over anything else. It's still a great experience even after years, though the impact on the Mozart renaissance is somewhat debatable. (27/02/2009)