Amadeus Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old composer, jealous of a cackling prodigy, tries to gaslight God by ruining Mozart’s life, ending with a mysterious, possibly intentional, possibly liver-related death.

🍿 Amadeus: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Salieri’s Confession

The film opens in 1823 with an elderly Antonio Salieri, now in an asylum, confessing to a priest that he murdered Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He claims jealousy drove him to this act, setting the stage for a flashback narrative that explores their complex relationship.

Arrival of Mozart

The story shifts to Vienna in the late 18th century, where Salieri is the respected court composer. The arrival of the young, brash, and incredibly talented Mozart shocks Salieri. He is disgusted by Mozart’s vulgar behavior and cannot reconcile it with the divine beauty of his music. He questions why God would bestow such gifts upon someone so seemingly undeserving.

Salieri’s Descent

Consumed by envy and feeling betrayed by God, Salieri renounces his faith and vows to destroy Mozart. He begins a subtle campaign to undermine Mozart’s career and reputation, manipulating situations to his advantage while outwardly appearing supportive. He works to keep Mozart from gaining important positions and sabotages performances of his operas.

Mozart’s Struggles

Despite his genius, Mozart faces numerous challenges. His unconventional style clashes with the preferences of the Viennese court, and his financial situation is precarious. He struggles to maintain his artistic integrity while battling personal demons and external pressures. This only fuels Salieri’s belief that Mozart is unworthy of his gift.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham): The envious court composer who grapples with his mediocrity in the face of Mozart’s divine talent and plots against him.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce): A prodigious and vulgar composer whose genius evokes both admiration and intense jealousy in Salieri.
• Constanze Mozart (Elizabeth Berridge): Mozart’s wife who tries to support her husband’s career and navigates their turbulent financial situation.
• Emperor Joseph II (Jeffrey Jones): The Austrian Emperor who is a patron of the arts and provides opportunities for both Mozart and Salieri.
• Leopold Mozart (Roy Dotrice): Mozart’s demanding and overbearing father who exerts a strong influence over his son’s life and career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Salieri: “Mediocrities everywhere… I absolve you… I absolve you… I absolve you… all.” – Salieri says this in the mental asylum, implying everyone is mediocre compared to Mozart’s genius.
• Salieri: “I tell you, that was the music of a God!” – Salieri exclaims this to the priest, describing his initial reaction to Mozart’s compositions.
• Salieri: “He is the creature I told you of – half-man, half-child.” – Salieri describes Mozart to the priest, highlighting the contrast between his genius and his immature behavior.
• Mozart: “Too many notes, Your Majesty? Perhaps you could take some out?” – Mozart mockingly responds to the Emperor’s criticism, showcasing his rebellious nature.
• Salieri: “From now on, we are enemies, You and I.” – Salieri says this to a crucifix on his wall after coming to the realization that God has granted Mozart musical gifts, while denying them to him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $51,973,029
• Worldwide Gross: $52,107,557

💥 Amadeus Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Amadeus hit me hard! I went in expecting just a historical drama, but I was blown away. The music, of course, is incredible, and the costumes are gorgeous, but it’s really the story of Salieri’s envy that got to me. I’ve never felt that way before. I also loved how they showed Mozart as both a genius and a total goofball; the scene where he’s improvising at the party is hilarious and amazing. It made me appreciate Mozart’s music even more than I already did. I really felt a deep connection watching Amadeus, like I understood his genius

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Lovers of classical music and opera”
  • “Those interested in stories about rivalry and ambition”
  • “Viewers who appreciate visually stunning films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes (jealousy, death, religious conflict)”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suicide attempt”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Amadeus is more than just a biography; it is a profound meditation on jealousy, mediocrity, and the divine spark of genius. F. Murray Abraham’s Salieri is masterful, and Tom Hulce’s Mozart, though controversial, embodies both the brilliance and the vulgarity attributed to the composer. A truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
• The New York Times: “Milos Forman’s Amadeus isn’t just a biopic; it’s a soaring operatic tragedy with a profound understanding of human nature. The film’s lavish production design and impeccable performances create a world of beauty and intrigue. Though historically debatable, the movie’s story is undeniably compelling.
• Variety: “A sumptuously mounted and brilliantly acted film, Amadeus tells a fascinating, if somewhat embellished, tale of Mozart’s life and times. Abraham’s performance as the envious Salieri is riveting, while Hulce captures Mozart’s brilliance and immaturity with equal flair. Visually stunning and musically rich.

Audience Reactions

Abraham’s portrayal of Salieri as a man consumed by envy is both tragic and captivating.: The complex relationship between Salieri and Mozart is mesmerizing.

The music of Mozart, of course, is heavenly. The costumes in the movie are amazing to look at.: Visually stunning and a feast for the ears.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and musically rich film that explores the complex themes of jealousy, genius, and faith, though historical accuracy is debated.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1985
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1985
3. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1985
4. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1985
5. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1985
6. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1985
7. Academy Award (Best Makeup)- 1985
8. Academy Award (Best Sound)- 1985
9. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1985

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Milos Forman insisted on filming in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), because it was largely untouched by modern architecture and authentically resembled 18th-century Vienna.”
• “Tom Hulce’s distinctive high-pitched laugh was developed during rehearsals, and while some found it grating, Forman believed it captured Mozart’s childlike and rebellious nature.”
• “Many of the extras were Czech citizens who had lived under communist rule and found parallels between the film’s themes of artistic freedom and their own experiences.”
• “The film uses actual locations like the Estates Theatre in Prague, where Mozart himself conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787.”

🖥️ How to Watch Amadeus?

Amadeus is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also widely available for purchase, offering a high-quality viewing experience at home.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Amadeus, you might like these similar films:

• Immortal Beloved (1994): Explores the life and loves of another musical genius, Ludwig van Beethoven, focusing on the mystery surrounding his last will and testament.
• Shine (1996): Features a brilliant pianist David Helfgott, focusing on his struggles with mental illness and the price of genius.
• The Madness of King George (1994): Set in a similar historical period, depicting the descent into madness of King George III and the political machinations surrounding him.
• Black Swan (2010): Explores the psychological toll of artistic perfection, focusing on a ballerina’s descent into madness as she prepares for a major performance, with focus on obsession and sacrifice.

🛒 Amadeus Related Products

• Amadeus (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray]: Experience the extended Director’s Cut of this cinematic masterpiece, featuring additional scenes and enhanced audio and visual quality. Delve deeper into the lives of Mozart and Salieri with this definitive edition.
• Amadeus: A Play by Peter Shaffer: Read the original stage play by Peter Shaffer that inspired the film, allowing for a deeper understanding of the characters and themes. This beautifully bound edition is a collector’s item for fans of the story.
• Mozart: The Complete Edition: Experience all of Mozart’s works on high-quality vinyl. This is the perfect gift for any music lover, or anyone who wants to learn more about Mozart’s music after seeing “Amadeus.”
• Funko POP! Movies: Amadeus – Mozart: Add a touch of Amadeus to your collection with this adorable Funko POP! figure of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This stylized vinyl figure is a fun and whimsical way to celebrate the film and its iconic characters.

🎧 Soundtrack

Amadeus features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183: I. Allegro con brio” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), K. 492, Act III: Contessa perdono” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “Requiem in D Minor, K. 626: Lacrimosa” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “The Magic Flute, K. 620, Act II: Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Queen of the Night Aria)” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “Concerto for Flute and Harp in C Major, K. 299: II. Andantino” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Amadeus (1984) “Canine Concert” deleted scene

Ever wondered what ‘Amadeus’ would’ve been like with even more quirky canine antics? Check out this deleted scene whereMozart’s dog takes center stage in a musical performance!

Analyzing Evil: Antonio Salieri From Amadeus

Unravel the enigma of Antonio Salieri in this captivating analysis. Delve into his psyche, explore his rivalry with Mozart, and gain a fresh perspective on the concept of evil as portrayed in the movie.

What Movies Teach Us About Mozart

Dive into the cinematic portrayals of Mozart! This thought-provoking video essay explores how movies like ‘Amadeus’ have influenced our understanding of the genius composer.

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