Amadeus | Rotten Tomatoes

Amadeus

PG

Released Nov 13, 1984

2h 38m

Biography

History

Drama

List

89%

Tomatometer

154 Reviews

95%

Audience Score

100,000+ Ratings

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

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Critics Consensus

Amadeus' liberties with history may rankle some, but the creative marriage of Miloš Forman and Peter Shaffer yields a divinely diabolical myth of genius and mediocrity, buoyed by inspired casting and Mozart's rapturous music.

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

Decorated with a powdered-sugar sweetness and creamy lavishness unseen since the days of Josef von Sternberg, and performed by an eager to please, rootin'-tootin' American cast that would be comfortable in Oklahoma!, Amadeus is junk food par excellence.

Aug 8, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The subject of artistic creation is typically handled badly in the movies... [Amadeus] treats the subject of creativity in a fresh way.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 11, 2022

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This is Mozart as an eighteenth-century Bruce Springsteen, and yet (here is the genius of the movie) there is nothing cheap or unworthy about the approach.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 11, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A grandly entertaining period piece.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 18, 2024

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

Lavish and flamboyant in every manner. F. Murray Abraham’s vile and sinister performance as the envious Salieri, a man with more desire to produce music than God gave him talent to create, is one for the ages.

Jun 8, 2023

Full Review

Lou Lumenick

Bergen Record (New Jersey)

Mozart's subtle, timeless melodies are what sustains Amadeus over its dramatic rough spots, though Shaffer and Forman do manage to end things on a grace note.

Aug 2, 2022

Full Review

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Kim M

Brilliant. Ahead of its time. F Murray Abrahams performance is beyond brilliant. The writing is multi layered and blends a balanced viewing experience. You should experience real joy watching this amazing movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/23/24

Full Review

DW L

Simply put, one of the top 5 movies of all time. An amazing fiction. (Yes, 100% fiction that Salieri and anything to do with Mozart's death).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/24

Full Review

mary ellen s

beautifully costumed and based on fact

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/24

Full Review

David G

One of my all time favorite movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

Full Review

Alec C

How far would you go in order to create something that is truly perfect?! Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an immature musical prodigy, much to the chagrin of Antonio Salieri, who plots to bring down his new rival by slowly destroying his mind. Darkly humorous and immensely tragic, this film plays out like a well-played symphony of jealousy, revenge and regret!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

Oscar M

My all time favorite movie. Amazing production, costumes, acting, and of course, music!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/24

Full Review

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Milos Forman

Director

F. Murray Abraham

Antonio Salieri

Tom Hulce

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Jeffrey Jones

Emperor Joseph II

Elizabeth Berridge

Constanze Mozart

Simon Callow

Emanuel Schikaneder

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Synopsis

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

Director: Milos Forman
Producer: Saul Zaentz
Screenwriter: Peter Shaffer
Distributor: Orion Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: AMLF
Rating: PG
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 13, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2016
Runtime: 2h 38m
Sound Mix: Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Surround, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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