Overview
A tale of genius and envy unfolds in the world of classical music.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- operatic
- witty
- sardonic
- classical music evening
- historical film night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a lavish, inspired, and powerfully acted musical period drama, while acknowledging its historical liberties.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film presents a speculative rivalry between Salieri and Mozart while taking liberties with historical fact.
Salieri reveres Mozart's divine musical talent but turns that reverence into resentment and revenge against God and Mozart.
Salieri interprets Mozart's vulgarity and extraordinary gifts as evidence that God has chosen an unworthy instrument.
Viennese court settings, lavish costumes, and extended opera performances frame Mozart's compositions as grand theatrical events.
Films like Amadeus, and why
Moulin Rouge!
lavish historical drama centered on artistic genius, rivalry, and the costs of ambition
The Red Violin
music-driven period drama portraying obsessive creative ambition and destructive professional rivalry
Pollock
prestige biographical drama exploring genius, envy, and institutional power through major performances
Shakespeare in Love
costume drama about artists, patronage, desire, and the collision between personal flaws and transcendent art
Movie Details
- Director
- Miloš Forman
- Release Date
- 1984-09-19
- Runtime
- 160 min
- Rating
- 8.0 / 10 (4937)
Cast
- F. Murray Abraham
- Tom Hulce
- Elizabeth Berridge
- Simon Callow
- Roy Dotrice
- Christine Ebersole
- Jeffrey Jones
- Charles Kay
- Kenny Baker
- Lisbeth Bartlett
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Amadeus about?
- A devout Viennese court composer wages a bitter spiritual and personal war against the vulgar prodigy whose music embodies divine genius.
- What is Amadeus like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Amadeus as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Amadeus violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Amadeus.
- What did critics think of Amadeus?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a lavish, inspired, and powerfully acted musical period drama, while acknowledging its historical liberties.
- Which films are like Amadeus?
- Films with a similar feel include Moulin Rouge!, The Red Violin, Pollock, and Shakespeare in Love.
- How long is Amadeus?
- Amadeus runs 160 minutes.
- Where can I watch Amadeus?
- In United States, Amadeus is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex.
