Although 1984′s Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman, was not based on a true historical portrayal regarding Antonio Salieri’s disdain towards Mozart’s godlike musical gift, this masterpiece is a glorious celebration of the brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his madness that galvanize such imaginative creativity and originality.
However, this motion picture is not entirely about Mozart himself, but further on the impact of Mozart’s prodigal gift on Salieri’s sanity which thrusts such dementia and obsession. In latin the word ‘amadeus’ is defined as ‘Love of God’, and throughout the film, Salieri’s obsession with Mozart is highlighted by his self-conscious mediocrity and inferiority against Mozart’s divine gift. Salieri constantly questions God: “Why does God not give me talent? Why Mozart? Why does God love him, but not me?”
The torment of Salieri’s soul for the love of music was played and characterized perfectly by F. Murray Abraham. If Don Vito Corleone from the Godfather was a sensational character, Abraham’s performance as Salieri was chilling, gripping, and mind trembling.
Here’s a clip of one of my favorite scene from Amadeus of Salieri’s scheme to murder Mozart and claim The Requiem Mass as his masterpiece. Notice his love for music and enviousness towards Mozart that torments him deeply.
