From this: To this:
2. Well, it was obvious that despite the movies title, the real star in this film was Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). He was pretty much convincing as this "tortured, frustrated soul". His character was so relatable because there was something about his vulnerability that we once find ourselves in his desperation and pain. We often find ourselves in situation of:
3. Jealousy: Back in gradeschool, I asked myself why God favored the prodigal son. He squandered his money away, left home; only to return and be welcomed with a grand feast and grandiose clothing,. As the older brother, I would definitely feel bad that I devoted my life to make the father proud and yet, he never even got that kind of attention. (I would even hint, "it's so unfair he had all the share of fun and games while I toll my life away" frustrations that I have)
Salieri, who only wanted to make music for God *yeah I choked when I first heard it, was mad at Him for giving Mozart all the opportunity and talent. Being "undeserving": arrogant, boastful- it seemed as I also feel his pain seeing all those talent in the "wrong hands". Then again, I am not so excited of hearing religious themes in bold concepts such as The Marriage of Figaro. (that's another story). Which brings me to another side story I was able to accept a long time ago that Salieri failed to acknowledge *yes, I am smarter than him. :) talent. Remember back in college, where you know people who have it all: good looks, life of a party and the brains to go with it. He/she is the top of the class despite coming home at 5 am drunk the other day for the midterms. Yes life is unfair and I got the hang of it back in college.
Like Salieri, I slaved myself in the library for hours trying to decipher Accounting problems, photocopying numerous sheets of practice exams only to have my seatmate who spent his day playing computer games ace it. Some people are just meant to be geniuses at it while the rest of us slave away. PS. unlike Salieri, I do not have hard feelings against my seatmate enough to have murderous thoughts against him/her. :D
Ps the part where he was so angry at God when he found out that the girl he loved was already "taken" by Mozart was funny.
4. Religion. Coming from a very Catholic family, I would often hear my mom pray hard whenever we wanted something then, whenever we didn't get what we want, she would just shrug it off and say, "It's God's plan". Oftentimes, it is where one's frustation come in when we are unable to accept that most things are really beyond our control and neither does a Higher Being up there plans for us or others. That scene where Salieri fervently prayed so hard to God to "speak to Him" by helping him come up with even just one great song; while Mozart just instantly makes hits in his head. Not to talk about politics, justice and social class- you don't need validation to glorify suffering and one's "disappointments" of NOT HAVING it. It's just the way it is, the only thing you can change is how you perceive it. For Salieri, he will always be secondary to Mozart's talent. But I at least he's got more business sense. :)
5. On a lighter note, the film gave me tons of great ideas for Halloween next year:
The outrageous head pieces, I was amazed (and crept out at the same time) when I saw the odd animal shapes they wore during a masquerade ball
Mozart's wigs were ...overwhelming. If there's such a thing as costume changes, he got loads of wig changes in a span of 10 minutes.
a. Here's my wig when I have a major concert to go with the intense face
Constanze Mozart (and the rest of the women's costume screamed: CLEAVAGE.
(This was an actual scene, btw)
Did you know?
1. If F. Murray Abrahams looked so familiar (I was more into Snape younger vers, BUT he isn't). He's actually starred in films like Mimic (Dr. Murray), Thir13n Ghosts (Cyrus Kriticos)..and Scarface (Omar Suarez).
2. It won 8 Academy Awards including best Film, 4 Golden Globes, 4 Bafta among other awards. (sabe.)
