Amadeus

From “Requiem” to “The Marriage of Figaro,” Mozart’s magnificent work does not fail to leave many wonderstruck. “Amadeus,” a comedic drama shot in 1984, which recounts the events of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life, an exquisite film based on the height of classical music. Going to an opera and witnessing the beauty of it is one thing but creating the masterpiece is something else. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was so elaborate with his music, every note put together was utterly perfect.

The movie, “Amadeus” portrays the success and struggles of Mozart’s career in music. Mozart is shown as immature and irresponsible. Antonio Saliero, Hapsburg court composer was very envious of Mozart. He could not believe someone so childish could create such powerful and imperfect music. He once described Mozart’s music as, “Astounding, it was actually, beyond belief. These were firsts and only drafts of music, but they showed no corrections of any kind. Not one. He had simply written down music already finished in his head. Page after page of it as if he were just taking dictation. And music, finished as no music is ever finished. Displace one note and there would be diminishment. Displace one phrase and the structure would fall. It is clear to me that sound I had heard at the archbishop’s palace had been no accident. Here again was the very voice of God. I was staring for the cage of those meticulous strokes. At an absolute beauty.” His jealousy never lead him to do any harm to Mozart. Although, some believe Saliero had something to do with his death. This film portrays him as an acquaintance hungry for only his skill and later on aids him at home, hours before his death.

Cinematography plays with colors. The colors signify themes. The main theme in this movie was envy. Popular colors used in the 80’s included shades of brown and gray, others using brighter colors such as red and yellow. In this film in particular, many warms tones were used such as browns and yellows. When certain events take place the colors may change or the shades might pop out more. When Antonio Saliero showed jealousy the shades would be more vibrant. Films contained less diffusion but more grain and contrast. Whereas now, shades of blue and orange are used. Most movies are softy lit. Contain little to no grain. Technology has come far from where we were in the 80’s and it will only get better