Amadeus (1984)

Brief Intro

“Amadeus,” directed by Milos Forman, is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the envious eyes of his rival, Antonio Salieri. Set in the opulent courts of 18th-century Vienna, the film masterfully intertwines historical drama with psychological intrigue, showcasing Mozart’s genius and the tumultuous relationship between him and Salieri.

Literary Devices Used in Amadeus

1. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Salieri’s praise for Mozart while secretly despising him	Verbal irony as Salieri’s words contradict his true feelings
Mozart’s tragic death despite his musical brilliance	Situational irony highlighting the contrast between talent and fate

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Salieri’s opening monologue about his hatred for Mozart	Foreshadows the central conflict of the story
The black-clad figure commissioning the Requiem	Hints at Mozart’s impending doom

3. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The mask worn by the mysterious Requiem commissioner	Symbolizes death and foreboding
Mozart’s laughter	Represents his uncontainable genius and childlike spirit

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Salieri describing Mozart’s music as the “voice of God”	Metaphor for divine inspiration
The “magic flute”	Represents Mozart’s imaginative and transcendent creativity

5. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Salieri recounting his first encounter with Mozart	Uses flashback to reveal backstory
Salieri’s memories of his vow to God	Flashback showing Salieri’s past motivations

6. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scenes of Salieri’s solemn prayers vs. Mozart’s lively parties	Highlights the contrast between their personalities
Mozart’s childish behavior contrasted with his musical genius	Emphasizes the duality of his character

7. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Lavish court performances	Rich visual and auditory imagery of 18th-century Vienna
Scenes depicting Mozart’s illness	Vivid imagery of physical decline

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to classical mythology in operatic performances	Allusions to broader cultural and artistic contexts
Salieri’s comparisons to historical figures	Allusions to underscore his feelings of inadequacy

9. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated scenes of Salieri’s jealousy	Jealousy as a recurring motif
The frequent use of Mozart’s music	Music as a central motif throughout the film

10. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Salieri’s description of Mozart as a divine prodigy	Exaggeration to emphasize Mozart’s unparalleled talent
Mozart’s financial troubles depicted as catastrophic	Amplifies the sense of his struggles

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Device	Explanation
Irony	Mozart’s genius is juxtaposed with his frivolous behavior, highlighting his complexity.
Symbolism	His laughter symbolizes both his joy and his tragic fate.

2. Antonio Salieri

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	His early declarations of envy set the stage for his actions throughout the film.
Metaphor	Describes Mozart’s music as divine, revealing his simultaneous reverence and envy.

3. Constanze Mozart

Device	Explanation
Imagery	Vivid descriptions of her loyalty and suffering paint a poignant picture of her character.
Juxtaposition	Her practicality contrasts with Mozart’s impracticality, highlighting their dynamic.

Character Dynamics

Device	Explanation
Irony	Salieri’s outward admiration and inner hatred for Mozart drive the narrative tension.
Juxtaposition	The contrast between Salieri’s piety and his malevolence deepens the central conflict.

Thematic Analysis

1. Jealousy

Device	Explanation
Irony	Salieri’s praise of Mozart is steeped in envy.
Motif	Recurrent scenes of Salieri’s jealousy illustrate its destructive power.

2. Genius and Madness

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Mozart’s behavior reflects the fine line between genius and madness.
Metaphor	Music as a metaphor for divine madness.

3. Divine Inspiration vs. Human Flaws

Device	Explanation
Flashback	Salieri’s past vows highlight the conflict between divine calling and human imperfection.
Juxtaposition	The contrast between Mozart’s divine talent and human weaknesses underscores the theme.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Use of lighting	Dark, shadowy lighting during Salieri’s soliloquies symbolizes his inner turmoil.
Imagery	Cinematography	Lavish sets and costumes create a rich, immersive visual experience.
Juxtaposition	Cross-cutting	Alternating scenes of Mozart’s lively life and Salieri’s solemnity.
Irony	Sound design	Contrasting upbeat music with tragic events.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. The Requiem Commission
   • Link: YouTube: Requiem Commission Scene
   • Breakdown: This scene uses dark lighting and ominous music to foreshadow Mozart’s fate, enhancing the theme of impending doom through both cinematic and literary devices.
2. Salieri’s Confession
   • Link: YouTube: Salieri’s Confession Scene
   • Breakdown: Salieri’s monologue is intercut with flashbacks, using rich imagery and dramatic irony to reveal his inner conflict and motivations.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What literary device is prominently used when Salieri praises Mozart while secretly despising him?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Irony
   • C) Hyperbole
   • D) Symbolism
2. Which theme is highlighted by the juxtaposition of Salieri’s piety and malevolence?
   • A) Genius and Madness
   • B) Divine Inspiration vs. Human Flaws
   • C) Jealousy
   • D) Friendship
3. What cinematic technique is used to enhance the symbolism in Salieri’s soliloquies?
   • A) Cross-cutting
   • B) Sound design
   • C) Lighting
   • D) Cinematography

Answers:

1. B) Irony
2. B) Divine Inspiration vs. Human Flaws
3. C) Lighting