Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Amadeus

1984

Directed by Miloš Forman

Directed by Milos Forman and adapted from the stage play by Peter Shaffer, Amadeus is a lavish period biopic exploring the rumored rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) and Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Set in late 18th century Vienna, the film follows the two composers as Salieri, the accomplished court composer for Emperor Joseph II (Jeffrey Jones), becomes increasingly envious and threatened by the obnoxious yet prodigiously talented Mozart.

With its opulent sets and costumes transporting viewers back to 18th century Vienna, Amadeus is a feast for the senses. Abraham gives a chilling performance as the pious Salieri who believes God has blessed Mozart, an irritating and vulgar hedonist, with divine musical abilities to spite him. Hulce embodies the manic, childish genius of Mozart with enthusiasm. Though the film takes liberties with history, the characters come alive through these two central performances.

The score features many of Mozart’s most famous compositions with excerpts from Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute, along with the iconic Eine kleine Nachtmusik and the Requiem Mass in D minor taking center stage. For music lovers, getting to hear these iconic works performed is worth the price of admission alone.

Though overlong at 3 hours, Amadeus is one of those rare period films that manages to bring the past vividly to life. The opulent visuals combined with Mozart’s music and its rumination on genius vs mediocrity make for a powerful cinematic experience. Lovers of classical music, costume dramas, and biopics should not miss it.

Have you seen Amadeus? Share your thoughts on the film and performances in the comments! What did you think of the way Mozart and Salieri were portrayed?