Amadeus

There is evidence of the divine all around us: the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one such piece; Amadeus, the film very loosely based on that composer’s life, is another.

The film doesn’t miss a note, of which there are many – each directorial decision or cinematographic composition and every costume or set hits, not only in complimenting the actors, but in helping them bring their characters to life. It has been said that timeless artists make their work seem easy, almost trifling – Michelangelo only “removing” his statues from their marble tombs – while merely great artists declare a Herculean triumph at the close of their duties. Abraham and Hulce make their roles seem so easy and yet they never break focus, not even for a second. One role does not exist without the other – Abraham’s wrathful and wry Salieri doesn’t win the Oscar if he doesn’t have Hulce’s Mozart, the giggling voice of a vengeful god.

Returning to this film is always a treat and the music is truly inspired – it’s a pity that Mozart wasn’t eligible for Best Original Score.