Antonio Salieri believes that Mozart's music is divine. He wishes he was himself as good a musician as Mozart so that he can praise the Lord through composing. But he can't understand why God favored Mozart, such a vulgar creature, to be his instrument. Salieri's envy has made him an enemy of God whose greatness was evident in Mozart. He is set to take revenge.
Written by Khaled Salem
Sets and costumes for the operatic productions were based on sketches of the original costumes and sets used when the operas premiered.
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Goofs
Incorrectly regarded as goofs:
At the beginning of the film, while talking to a priest Salieri is seen playing what looks like a harpsichord, yet the sound produced is of a piano. This is not a goof. The instrument played by Salieri at the beginning of the film is actually a fortepiano, not a harpsichord. This is also the instrument played by both the emperor and Mozart at their first meeting. The fortepiano bridged the gap between the harpsichord of the 18th century and the modern grand piano of the late 19th century.
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Quotes
[first lines]
Salieri:
Mozart! Mozart, forgive your assassin! I confess, I killed you... See more »
Crazy Credits
The producer, screenplay writer and director thank the following for their boundless assistance in our effort to present the physical authenticity and aura you have seen and felt in "Amadeus":
-The National Theatre of Czechoslovakia and Prague's Tyl Theatre management for allowing us to film in the Tyl sequences from the operas: "Abduction from the Seraglio," "The Marriage of Figaro," and "Don Giovanni." It was actually in this magnificently preserved theatre that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart conducted the premiere performance of "Don Giovanni" on October 29, 1787.
-His Eminence Cardinal Frantisek Tomasek for his kindness in permitting us to use his beautiful residence headquarters in Prague as the Emperor's palace.
-The Barrandov Studios and CS Filmexport for their help in filming "Amadeus" in Prague and in castles and palaces throughout Czechoslovakia.
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