Post by klep on Dec 11, 2017 9:04:45 GMT -6
MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 12/11: Amadeus
We all know how hard it is to be bad at something; to see everyone else breeze through something you are constantly struggling with. We also know how ironically difficult it can be to be very good at something; the frustration that comes from others not being able to keep up and the wearying toll of their jealousy. But not often examined is the plight of the average; the mediocre. Neither good nor bad, the mediocre person knows what's good, knows something of how greatness is achieved, but is simply incapable of doing so himself. How it must burn to know that you will never be great at something you love; to strive and never achieve.
In real life, Salieri was a good composer, unjustly forgotten by history. But in Milos Forman's adaptation of Amadeus, he (played by F. Murray Abraham) is merely ok - capable of popular ditties and fine opera, but paling in comparison to that of his rival Mozart (Tom Hulce). Salieri's is a talent born of hard work and obstinacy, rather than the transcendent brilliance inherent in Mozart's mind. Mozart is capable of such music as Salieri could only pray to produce, and he knows it - recognizes how great it is.
This might have been tolerable for him, but for one thing. Mozart (in the film at least) is a terrible boor. Ill-mannered, vain, and hedonistic. Everything in his character is an affront to Salieri's piety, modesty, and composure. Everything, that is, except his talent. Seeing such brilliance coming from such an awful example of humanity is too much to bear - and drives Salieri to seek Mozart's destruction.
It's a task he takes to with zeal and relish, never truly wavering despite his adoration of Mozart's output. Abraham does incredible work both in the framing device and in the narrative conveying Salieri's conflicting emotions - his deep hatred for the man and his transcendent bliss at hearing his work. The torture Salieri feels at knowing he can never, ever hope to achieve what Mozart achieves effortlessly is plainly evident. And similarly Hulce's foppish lunacy and brashness makes you understand why Salieri hates him so.
The film is scored, naturally, with work by Salieri and Mozart, delicately weaved into the narrative. And as the two composers discuss various pieces, they do so in time to the audience hearing the music as it develops. It's brilliantly done, and it's possibly the best argument for recognizing adapted scores at the Oscars. Because if you can't award such brilliant use of existing music, why are you even here?
It is, of course, a final irony that a film so much about Salieri and his jealousy, in which he is the prime mover and narrator, still bears the name of the man he so despises.
OUR NEXT MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 12/18: Galaxy Quest
SCIENCE FICTION WEEK!
Our next movie of the week will be science fiction comedy and Star Trek spoof Galaxy Quest! Join us next week on a journey into the great absurd as we tackle this fan favorite. Galaxy Quest is available on Amazon Video, where it is free for Prime members with a Starz add-on.
NEXT PICTURE SHOW PODCAST for 12/16: Ed Wood
Just over two years after we made it a Movie of the Week, the Next Picture Show podcast chose Ed Wood to pair with the new The Disaster Artist. Remember when Tim Burton made good movies? Well you’ll be reminded next Wednesday when we talk about this film.
We all know how hard it is to be bad at something; to see everyone else breeze through something you are constantly struggling with. We also know how ironically difficult it can be to be very good at something; the frustration that comes from others not being able to keep up and the wearying toll of their jealousy. But not often examined is the plight of the average; the mediocre. Neither good nor bad, the mediocre person knows what's good, knows something of how greatness is achieved, but is simply incapable of doing so himself. How it must burn to know that you will never be great at something you love; to strive and never achieve.
In real life, Salieri was a good composer, unjustly forgotten by history. But in Milos Forman's adaptation of Amadeus, he (played by F. Murray Abraham) is merely ok - capable of popular ditties and fine opera, but paling in comparison to that of his rival Mozart (Tom Hulce). Salieri's is a talent born of hard work and obstinacy, rather than the transcendent brilliance inherent in Mozart's mind. Mozart is capable of such music as Salieri could only pray to produce, and he knows it - recognizes how great it is.
This might have been tolerable for him, but for one thing. Mozart (in the film at least) is a terrible boor. Ill-mannered, vain, and hedonistic. Everything in his character is an affront to Salieri's piety, modesty, and composure. Everything, that is, except his talent. Seeing such brilliance coming from such an awful example of humanity is too much to bear - and drives Salieri to seek Mozart's destruction.
It's a task he takes to with zeal and relish, never truly wavering despite his adoration of Mozart's output. Abraham does incredible work both in the framing device and in the narrative conveying Salieri's conflicting emotions - his deep hatred for the man and his transcendent bliss at hearing his work. The torture Salieri feels at knowing he can never, ever hope to achieve what Mozart achieves effortlessly is plainly evident. And similarly Hulce's foppish lunacy and brashness makes you understand why Salieri hates him so.
The film is scored, naturally, with work by Salieri and Mozart, delicately weaved into the narrative. And as the two composers discuss various pieces, they do so in time to the audience hearing the music as it develops. It's brilliantly done, and it's possibly the best argument for recognizing adapted scores at the Oscars. Because if you can't award such brilliant use of existing music, why are you even here?
It is, of course, a final irony that a film so much about Salieri and his jealousy, in which he is the prime mover and narrator, still bears the name of the man he so despises.
OUR NEXT MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 12/18: Galaxy Quest
SCIENCE FICTION WEEK!
Our next movie of the week will be science fiction comedy and Star Trek spoof Galaxy Quest! Join us next week on a journey into the great absurd as we tackle this fan favorite. Galaxy Quest is available on Amazon Video, where it is free for Prime members with a Starz add-on.
NEXT PICTURE SHOW PODCAST for 12/16: Ed Wood
Just over two years after we made it a Movie of the Week, the Next Picture Show podcast chose Ed Wood to pair with the new The Disaster Artist. Remember when Tim Burton made good movies? Well you’ll be reminded next Wednesday when we talk about this film.