Friday, December 17, 2021

GOLDEN OLDIE 6: Amadeus


 

Well, my first priceless piece of advice is to view this movie using the best sound system available – because the real star of the show, of course, is the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Amadeus was directed by Milos Forman and released in 1984.  It “stars” Tom Hulce (whom I found quite annoying), F. Murray Abraham (wonderful; got an Oscar} and Elizabeth Berridge (cute, and quite competent) - and some damned fine sets and, of course, music.  As history the film isn’t much; for instance, Saliere (played by Abraham) apparently was no mediocrity but rather a highly respected composer whose operas are sometimes performed even today.  Sure, as a contemporary, Saliere was a rival of Mozart and, unless he was a saint, must have been jealous of him (who wouldn’t have been?), but there seems to be no evidence that he did the great man in.  Nevertheless, the rivalry and associated skullduggery makes for a gripping story line.

So, like I said:  Find a “device” with excellent sound, then enjoy this blast from the past for the magnificent acting of Abraham, the striking scenes of old Vienna – and, of course, the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  A-

No comments:

Post a Comment