Amadeus: The Most Compelling Myth
Amadeus is one of the greatest works of cinema ever created. Based on the stage play of the same name, the film creates a profound display of narrative events that have been proven false, yet compellingly revolve around the life of the one and only Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—but not through the eyes of the man himself, and not from the point of view of the people closest to him. Rather, the film shares a harrowing gossip of jealousy, rage against the Creator, lust, desire for glory, and competitive musical composition from the mouth (and damaged, guilt-ridden mind) of Antonio Salieri.
Milos Forman and the entire musical arrangement and performance crew deserve the utmost praise for their pitch perfect, doting masterpiece of musical sounds in the film and on the soundtrack. Each note is perfect. Each arrangement, sublime. Each flourish of Mozart’s masterpieces slides perfectly into each scene of use in the film. Never has there been a film before, and likely never after will there be a film that manages to so emotionally weave images and music in such a pleasant, satisfying, and thematically appropriate way while maintaining steady progression of the plot and doing all of this organically.
The film was never meant to be taken literally or be the arbiter of truth in the historical fact of the life of Mozart and Salieri. Rather, this work of art exists to celebrate the once-in-a-million-years genius and talent gifted to one such as Mozart. An eternal library of some of the greatest music that will ever be put to human instruments. Forman never does anything fancy or crazed with the camera—he lets the actors, music, Oscar-winning makeup and costume design and set designers work the magic of the era (even if it is a more fictionalized magic, it is magic nonetheless).
F. Murray Abraham rightly won his Oscar for best actor for Amadeus due to his haunting portrayal of older Salieri coupled with an earnest, obsessive, hungry, calculating, curious, oft-funny, and vengeful portrayal of younger Salieri. However, the award was hotly contested (also rightly so) by actor Tom Hulce for his wildly funny and expectation-mangling performance of the mad genius the story necessitated to foil Salieri’s mediocrity.
The ultimate achievement of Amadeus will be its bold risks and the creation of the Director’s Cut of the film. Without this cut, the film would never have shown the world the full vision and genius of the script that was written. Similar to a work of Mozart himself, displace one line and there would be diminishment. Displace one scene, and the whole structure would fall.
Her (Review):
"Her," directed by Spike Jonze and released in 2013, is a poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology. The film is set in a near-future Los Angeles and follows Theodore Twombly, played masterfully by Joaquin Phoenix, a lonely and emotionally wounded man who develops a deep connection with an artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
The film's brilliance lies in its ability to tackle profound themes with a delicate touch. Jonze crafts a visually stunning world that is both futuristic and intimately relatable, offering a backdrop that mirrors the emotional complexities of the characters. The cinematography, coupled with a hauntingly beautiful score, creates an immersive experience that complements the film's contemplative tone.
Joaquin Phoenix's performance is a tour de force. He captures Theodore's vulnerability and longing in a way that is raw and authentic. The chemistry between Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson's disembodied voice is surprisingly tangible, making the unconventional love story at the heart of "Her" both believable and deeply moving.
The narrative delves into the societal implications of human-AI relationships, raising questions about the nature of connection and the emotional depth of artificial intelligence. As Theodore grapples with his feelings for Samantha, the film prompts viewers to reflect on the nature of consciousness, the limits of technology, and the profound impact it can have on human relationships.
"Her" is a visual and emotional feast that transcends its sci-fi premise. It's a meditation on the human condition, love, and the ever-expanding boundaries of technology. Spike Jonze crafts a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that lingers in the mind, challenging preconceptions about the nature of relationships and the role technology plays in our lives. "Her" is a cinematic achievement that invites introspection long after the credits roll.
