Film / 'Amadeus'
Is Amadeus the film truthful about Mozart's life?
Amadeus the film is a fictionalized story of Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart from the time he left Salzburg, described by its writer as
"fantasia on the theme of Mozart and Salieri". The story is set in Vienna, Austria, during the latter half of the 18th century. Mozart's music is heard
extensively in the soundtrack of the film.
The 1984 film
Amadeus features a large ensemble cast centered on the fictionalized rivalry between composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The primary characters are:
- Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham): The court composer to Emperor Joseph II, whose jealousy of Mozart's genius fuels his obsession.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce): The childish, profane, yet undeniably brilliant musical genius.
- Constanze Mozart (Elizabeth Berridge): Mozart’s practical and often frustrated wife.
- Emperor Joseph II (Jeffrey Jones): The monarch of Austria, known for his phrase "too many notes".
- Emanuel Schikaneder (Simon Callow): The producer of The Magic Flute and a friend to Mozart.
- Leopold Mozart (Roy Dotrice): Wolfgang’s strict and demanding father.
- Count Orsini-Rosenberg (Charles Kay): The arrogant director of the Imperial Opera.
- Caterina Cavalieri (Christine Ebersole): A singer and Salieri's pupil, who is pursued by Mozart.
It is 1781, the year Mozart left Salzburg for Vienna, and Antonio Salieri (Abraham) is the court composer to Emperor Joseph II (Jeffrey Jones). When Mozart (Oscar nominee Tom Hulce as Mozart, in Amadeus) arrives at court, Salieri is horrified to discover that the godlike musical gifts he desires have been bestowed on the impish, bawdy young Mozart. Engulfed by envy, he plots to destroy Mozart by any means. Perhaps, even murder. The mystery, and the music remain.
As a lifelong Mozartian, I say no, Amadeus the film is not truthful. It is not a true story, but a fictional drama based loosely on historical figures,imagining a deadly rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. Most of the plot revolves around Salieri vs. Mozart, and from Mozart biographies written by prominent writers on Mozart the two didn't seem to have that kind of relationship in real life, just as there is no historical proof that Salieri actually killed Mozart, who died from an illness. In other words, the core premise that Salieri murdered Mozart out of jealousy is a myth
popularized by Alexander Pushkin's 1830 play, while the film adds many
dramatic flourishes, though it incorporates some real aspects of
Mozart's life, like his wit and some vulgarity.
Factual versus Fictional Elements:
The Rivalry: The intense, murderous jealousy depicted is largely invented for dramatic effect; in reality, Mozart and Salieri were professional competitors in Vienna, but not deadly enemies, and Salieri even praised Mozart.
Mozart's Character:
The
film portrays him as immature, childlike, and vulgar, which exaggerates
documented traits (like bathroom humor) into a caricature.
Salieri's Character:
He
was a successful court composer, not a failed one, and the idea that he
confessed to murder in old age comes from Pushkin's play, not history.
Mozart's Death:
The film's depiction of a mysterious, slow death orchestrated by Salieri is false; the
cause of Mozart's actual death is really not known, with theories including
rheumatic fever or infection, and the infamous mass burial was an
imperial decree not widely followed in Vienna.
However, Amadeus the film is a brilliant piece that uses historical figures to explore themes of genius,
mediocrity, and faith, rather than a historical biography. (Refer to my resources.)
Here's an interesting quote I found from one of my old journals, I apologise if I haven't the actual source written down. But I couldn't agree more with the thoughtful comment:
"A primary issue in both stage and screen versions is Mozart's behavior: his cavorting with Constanze in a public room of a noble residence, his use of inappropriate language, his excessive drinking, his lack of respect for the emperor and archbishop, his public parody of Salieri, his high self-opinion, and his general insensitivity to propriety. That which took place in view of the Salzburg archbishop and the emperor would have resulted in banishment from court or worse. Even though protocol had been loosened during the reign of the "people's" emperor, it is almost unimaginable that anyone would tell Joseph II that something he said was "absurd." Again, the result would have meant that none of the Viennese operas would have been commissioned or composed and that no venue for them would have existed. Certainly, Mozart must have treated the emperor and his entourage with some special care. Mozart's drinking runs as a sub-theme throughout the plot in Amadeus. But in reality, it seems that he rarely drank to excess, though in his last year or two his drinking did appear to have increased..."
Despite its heavily fictionalized narrative, the 1984 Amadeus film is widely credited with a massive, worldwide resurgence in
popularity for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his music. While historians, and naturally, fellow-Mozartians worldwide often point out the inaccuracy of the central conflict between Mozart
and Antonio Salieri, the film’s success served as a "gateway" to
classical music for new worldwide admirers of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This sumptuous period epic film is a gripping human drama, a glorious celebration of the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Amadeus the film won eight Academy Awards (1984), including Best Picture, Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham) Director (Milos Forman) and Adapted Screenplay (Peter Shaffer, based on his Tony-winning play).
Suggested Links:
"What Amadeus (the film) Got Right" by Dr. Vincent de Luise. A Musical Vision. Accessed January 27, 2023.
Photo Credit:
Video Credits:
That was Mozart - Amadeus. YouTube, uploaded by Lucky Jack. Accessed February 27, 2018.
Resources:
Amadeus (film). en.wikipedia.org
(c) February 2011. Updated February 9, 2023. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved.
