I must confess that Amadeus is one of my favorite films. I have seen it dozens of times and I never seem to tire of it. From the opening scene of Saliari trying to take his own life to us watching his personality sour and turn bitter through his jealousy and envy for Mozart's gifts, I find myself enraptured. This story isn't completely historical. As I understand it Saliari and Mozart did know each other but they did not have the acrimonious relationship that is portrayed in this film. It makes for a great story however!
We see the entire story through Saliari's eyes. Through his lens, Saliari paints Mozart as a young, gifted idiot through whom god seems to speak to us all. Even through his praise you can feel this undercurrent of hatred and envy. Saliari genuinely admires Mozart and yet hates him because he has everything that Saliari has struggled for and yet has never fully attained. Something that many of us can sympathize with, I imagine!
The sets and costumes are amazing and paint this amazing world of Vienna at it's height of power, full of it's self and the arts. The wigs are hilariously over the top and the dresses and suits fantastic.
I do enjoy this film greatly, however I bet that it's not everyone's cup of tea.