For me, as a pianist, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of my musical idols – the music he produced was revolutionary for his era and is always recognisable. So, when I found out I’d need to watch Amadeus (1984) again there was no complaint from me, and I complain a lot, you can guess I was happy. Even though Shaffer’s screenplay is fictional, there is one particular scene which encompasses the very real, competitive nature of classical composers in the 18th century, and Mozart’s genius. You can watch the scene by following the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ciFTP_KRy4
The clip I’m interested in begins around 1:20, where Mozart puts his own spin of Salieri’s piece, thus embarrassing him. In this one scene, Mozart’s outlandish mannerisms and musical genius are showcased. However, there are many components which make this such a memorable scene. Forman’s use of cutting back and forth from one musician to another, coupled with Shaffer’s scripted comments from Mozart, produces dramatic tension between Mozart and Salieri, whilst also having a comedic effect. The subtle humour in this scene is mostly created by the sarcastic rhetorical questions such as, ‘the rest is just the same, isn’t it?’ and ‘that doesn’t really work, does it?’. This not only adds to Mozart’s peculiar behaviour and his musical genius. Forman’s direction conveys Mozart’s intelligence and passion, yet simultaneously contrasts Salieri’s intense jealousy and lack of quick-wit. Furthermore, the visually fast-paced cuts in this scene complements the molto vivace music, which makes the scene more enjoyable to watch in not just a visual way.
When watching, and analysing, a film like Amadeus it’s so important to consider the portrayal of main characters. Tom Hulce’s performance in this scene is perfect, not just in the sense of Mozart as a person, but Mozart as a performer. Even the way he enters the room is suggestive of Mozart’s extravagant behaviour, and his laugh (2:28) just confirms a sense of madness. In all honesty, the costume designer definitely deserves some credit in Hulce’s portrayal of Mozart – who couldn’t not be eccentric when wearing lavender coloured clothing, against a sea of black and navy.
Overall, this scene presents Mozart as an eccentric genius, and I love this film for that. Despite the fact the film is fictional, Shaffer draws on real elements from Mozart’s life, including but not limited to, his musical genius and bizarre idiosyncrasies.