AMADEUS (1984) FIRST TIME WATCHING MOVIE REACTION

Hello guys! Welcome back to Popcorn in Bed. Thank you so much for being here. Time to watch a movie. This is a long one. Buckle in. Okay. We had a poll. Nominations of Oscars past. Put all the years. Pulled out a year. 1985. So the poll was Amadeus, The Killing Fields, A Passage to India, Places in the Heart, and A Soldier's Story. I haven't even heard of most of these except Amadeus. It has a scary looking cover, but it's about Mozart. I'm told, so I'm pretty sure it's not a scary movie. I went back and forth on whether to watch The Director's Cut or The Theatrical, but it seems like in this case The Director's Cut is way to go. So it's three hours about Mozart. I am so clueless about Mozart. I actually had to look up whether he was a painter or a musician. He's a musician. Okay. Gonna watch it. Excited. Okay. Let's watch. Mozart! Starting off with a bang. If you don't open this door and I'm never going to come and see you again. Is he talking to a child? What? A freak. That's not Mozart, right? Every time music like this, I always want to direct. I hope that old man's okay. Dear heavens. Is this like the insane asylum? He doesn't look too good. I can't have alone a soul in pain. Is this Mozart? But they call him Celia. I think that is Mozart. This is him younger. This is a flashback. Can you recall no melody of mine? I was the most famous composer in Europe. What about this one? I'm sorry. I didn't know you wrote that. I didn't. That was Mozart. Oh, he's not Mozart. Wolfgang. The man you accuse yourself of killing. He killed Mozart. I was still playing childish games when he was playing music for king. My father, he did not care for music. How could I tell him what music meant to me? While my father prayed, I would offer up proudest prayer a boy could think of. Make me a great composer. Make me famous through the world, dear God. In return, I will give you my chastity every hour of my life. And you know what happened? A miracle. Is he calling his dad dying a miracle? I think this guy's got some issues. One minute I was a frustrated boy. The next I was here in Vienna, city of musicians and emperor Joseph. I was his court composer. Isn't that incredible? Everybody likes me. I like myself. So this is the old guy. We're looking for Mozart. As I wandered through the salon, I played a little game with myself. This man had written his first concerto at the age of four. What? Did it show? Is talent like that written face? He didn't know what he was waiting for. That is something else. Here, everything goes backwards. So this is Mozart. She's got happy eyes. Did they say stuff like that back in this day? My music, it started without me. Is he mad or embarrassed that he was late? So he didn't play the music or he could. He wrote this. Where's Mozart? That giggling dirty-minded creature I just seen crawling on the floor. Why do I have to be humiliated? If his grace is not satisfied with me, he can dismiss me. I'm confused. You will remain in my service and learn your place. He's a cheeky little thing. So this guy is like dumbfounded that he's just like a regular young guy having fun. He's like stern, dedicating his life. It seemed to me that I... Excuse me. Why would God allow sin to be his instrument? How good is he? He's remarkable, Majesty. I heard an extraordinary, serious opera of his last month. What is he in? He's the bad guy in something. I thought it the most promising work I've heard in years. Well then, we should make some effort to acquire him. I'm sure he could be tempted with the right offer. An opera in German. Italian is the proper language for opera. All educated people agree on that? I like how they all just stand around and watch him eat. He sounds like the voice of the cat in the hat from the Dr. Seuss cartoon. I've written a little march of welcome in his honor. May I play it when he comes in? You do me too much honor, sir. Oh no. Pretty good. Oh, he's being so patient and nice even though he's butchering his piece from me. So serious. We have met before. You were only six years old. As he got off the stool, he slipped and fell. My own sister Antoinette helped him up. He jumped into her arms and said, Will you marry me? Yes or no? We're going to commission an opera from you. Majesty. Uh, did we vote in the end for German or Italian? Well, we did finally incline to Italian. Did we? Did we? Please, let it be German because I've already found the most wonderful libretto. I'll show it to you immediately, of course. Rare. Tell us the story. The whole thing is set in a harem, Majesty. You mean in turn? Yes, exactly. Then why especially? Does it have to be in German? Could be in Turkish if you really want. Let it be German. This is yours. Keep it, Majesty, if you want. It's already here in my hand. Show us. Party tricks. Party tricks. Ooh, awkward turtle. Better? What do you think? Oh, I feel bad for him, actually. Is it documented, like, what he was like? Like, did he actually have this silly, goofy, cute laugh and kind of eccentric a little bit? And then deny me the talent. You can be talented, but also like not a maestro. My hairdresser says that everything this year is going to be Turkish. I think she likes him. I heard you met Mozart and he's been commissioned to write an opera. Is there a baronet for me? No. How do you know? You're on set, my dear. She is in it, after all. I don't know where they met or how. There she stood, showing off like the greedy songbird she was. He's loving it. I do feel bad for so glingly this guy. Song-a-larry. You understand I was in love with the girl. I swear to you, I never laid a finger on her. But you could have. That would have been okay. I couldn't bear to think of anything, least of all the creature. Oh, the creature he calls him now. This is like Aladdin-esque. Do they like it or are they not ready for it? I think it looks pretty boppy for an opera. So then you liked it. Occasionally it seems to have, uh. How shall one say, director? Too many notes, your majesty. Exactly. Very well put. Too many notes. Just cut a few and it'll be perfect. Which few did you have in mind, majesty? This is my dear daughter Constanza. He's the fiance of Herr Mozart. We haven't exactly received my father's consent yet. He's like a cartoon. May I? Is he cheating on his fiance with the lady? He'd had her. The creature had had me. Preece is just taking this all in. Every day, sometimes for hours, I would pray. Send him away for his sake as well as mine. He looks so different without his wig. I write to you with urgent news. I'm coming to the end. Okay. Take no further steps towards marriage until we meet. When I'm a wealthy man, you will come and live with us and we'll be so happy. I'm a little confused. This is my niece, the princess Elizabeth. She has asked me to advise her on a suitable musical instructor. I was thinking of Herr Mozart. Again. My concern is to protect you from any hint of favoritism. Favoritism? Why must I submit samples of my work just to teach a 13 year old girl? And why doesn't he simply appoint me to the post? You are not the only composer in Vienna. But I'm the best. A little modesty might suit you better. So this guy doesn't have a wig on? He's just naturally got the curly gray hair? If you want this position, you must submit your stuff. Well, I won't. Why does he want that position? Oh, he wants money. One royal pupil and the whole of Vienna will come flocking. I know how things work in the city. Oh yes, you always know everything, don't you? Oh, honeymoon stage is over already. Frau Mozart? I've come on behalf of my husband. I've brought you some samples of his work so that you can be considered for the royal appointment. Just leave them with me. I assure you they will be quite safe. I really cannot do that, sir. Oh, because she took them without him knowing. Do you know what these are? They're Roman chestnuts in branded sugar. Try one. Is he flirting with her? Wolfgang would be frantic if he found those were missing. You see, they're all originals. Originals? Sir, he doesn't make copies. Oh no, he's going to mess them up. These are originals? These were first and only drafts Easy. Page after page of it as if he were just taking dictation. Oh my, this guy does have fashion. Is it not good? It is miraculous. Sir, you will help us? Yeah right, he will help them. Come back tonight. Some service deserves service in return. Wait, he's gonna make her sleep with him to put in a good word? He doesn't actually want to sleep with her, he just wants revenge. And am I right in that he's never laid a finger on a woman? So where shall we go? Should we stay here? Oh, this is uncomfortable. Don't do it. Show this woman out. Oh no. Because you are unjust, unkind. I will block you, I swear it. He's got some issues. Mozart is not entirely to be trusted alone with young ladies. One of my own pupils told me she was molested. That is quite an accusation. I must have pupils. Without pupils I can't manage. So that's how you get- he doesn't get paid to put on the opera and the- Seriously, is there any chance you could manage alone? Oh, what about his dad? I'll pay you back double anything. You name the terms. I'm scared for this relationship. I know a very distinguished gentleman I can recommend. He has a daughter. Herr Mozart! He looks like Oompa Loompa. Who's the daughter? Why? That guy would only recommend them if he's gonna hurt Mozart in some way. He always howls when he hears music. It's quite the household. I wish I was musically talented, even a little bit. Next time you wish me to instruct another one of your dogs, please let me know. He was offended because of the dogs? Batman. Papa, welcome. Stanzi, this is my father. We'll wait. That's a good idea. Don't you have a maid? We could if we wanted, but Stanzi wouldn't hear this. She insists on doing everything herself. Oh, disapproving father. He's trying so hard. They say you have debts. You have pupils? They're getting away. I have to have time for composition. Composition doesn't pay. That one will. This is a secret project. I don't want anyone to see it, but you are going to be so proud of me, Papa. Are you, uh, expecting? Yes, I am. Isn't it marvelous? We're delighted. Come on, be nice to him, Papa. For some reason, I feel like his Papa is not going to be into this. I don't think she did tell him about what happened with the court composer because there is no way. He's Salieri. Oh no, he's going to make fun of him. I don't get it. Gosh, he's going to rage so hard. That was not Mozart, I think, but God. I don't- Do I like Mozart? Go on, Signore, laugh. Before I leave this earth, I will laugh at you. This is a deep, deep despise. Yes. I recognize her. I'm a maidservant. I was asked to come here and offer my services to you. They'll be paid for by a great admirer of yours. Who's doing this? You cannot possibly accept her without references. Well, this is none of your business. So now we're going to let a perfect stranger into our house. Who is letting who? Uh-oh. And now you think that you can- No, it's right that he should hear. Whoa, she's past the point of trying to impress. It is crazy that he can do that. Spy. The next time you're sure they'll be out of the house, let me know. This feels wrong. I kept seven snuff boxes in here. I could swear they were all gold. There's only one left. Where's snuff boxes? Oh my gosh, get out of his house. This is wrong. Again, he's going to have a moment with this music. Mozart is writing a new opera. Is that bad or good? The marriage of Figaro. Figaro? Figaro, Figaro. It has been banned by the empire. Are you aware that I have declared the French play unsuitable for writing? Yes, sire. Yet we hear you're making an opera from it. Is this true? I admit it is. We banned a play? It's a piece about love. Love. Again. I have scenes. The end of the second act, for example. It starts out as a simple duet. Duet turns into trio. Trio turns into quartet. And quartet becomes quintet, sextet, septet, octet. I love it. Imagine the longest time that such a thing could be sustained and then doubled. 20 minutes. That's a good thing? We want that? Even with the politics taken out, this thing would still remain a vulgar farce. A vulgar farce? Bello, bello, bello. Come on now. Be honest. Come on. He's into it. Just let me tell you how it begins. There's a servant down on his knees because he's measuring a space. Do you know what for? His wedding bed, to see if it will fit. Mozart is already rehearsing. The majesty of the mood. I think we should help Mozart all we can about the ballet. Oh no. Didn't his majesty forbid the ballet in his office? Ballet? How dare? Do you not know that his majesty has expressly forbidden ballet in his office? Give me those copies. What are you doing here, director? What are you doing? Taking out what you should never have put in. I've no one else to turn to. He's so manipulative. It's not fair that a man like that should have power over our work. I think I'll take this up with the emperor. He's lying to you. I don't need to tell you I said nothing to the emperor. I went to the theater when suddenly the emperor suddenly appeared. I'm trying to picture this modern day. He's very invested in... What is this? It is your regulation, sir. No ballet in your opera. They're just heavily invested in the plays that the kingdom puts on. Let me see the scene with the music. Yes, majesty. Can we see the scene with the music? Certainly, Herr Director. These guys, they just all day just look at each other disapprovingly. Oh, I like his... The restored third act was brilliant. This is going to make him so... Okay, I'm not even one to appreciate this kind of music, but this is... I do like it. With that yawn, I saw my defeat and Mozart was lucky the emperor yawned only once. With one yawn, the composer could still get nine performances, and that's all it's had, and withdrawn. If the public doesn't like one's work... But what is it that they don't like? I can speak for the emperor. The poor man can't concentrate for more than an hour. You gave him four. Four hours. Do you know you didn't even give them a good bang at the end of song to let them know when to clap? Maybe you should give me some lessons in that. I wouldn't presume. Nevertheless, at the risk of imposing it, I would like you to see my new piece. I think he's being serious. Oh, so he writes operas too. This is what they wanted, right? Like, something about royals and legends. That's the bang. Hey, I'm proud of him. Just don't be evil. This is all he's ever wanted. So now you can play nice. Mozart. Did my work please you? One hears such sounds, and what can one say but Salieri. Bravo! These gentlemen are from Salzburg. Your father is dead. Oh no. So rose the dreadful ghost. There on the stage stood the figure of a dead commander. I knew that the horrifying apparition was Leopold, raised from the dead. Just want his dad to say, I'm proud of you. And now, the madness of the enemy. Oh no. The madness of the man. Through my influence, I saw to it Don Giovanni was played only five times in Vienna. He only let him get played five times? A man split in half. He recognizes his beautiful musical genius, but is too jealous and prideful to allow it. Bitter old man, but still possessing his poor son in final triumph over God. I just, I think Mozart needs a hug. So manipulative to make him feel so bad about his work. Although maybe the people just didn't like that one because it was a scary bat at the end and they didn't know how to accept that. This is going to be cruel. To commission work from you. A mask for the dead. A man who deserved a Requiem mask and never got one. Do you accept? Wants him to write like a death march? Work fast and be sure to tell no one what you do. This is a very elaborate game to take him down. So simple. First, I must get the death mask. His funeral. Imagine it. Mozart. Little coffin in the middle. He's sick. A divine music. Requiem mask for Wolfgang Mozart. You're just going to kill him and claim the music is his own. Oh, so this is like the cheap seats. Look at their cute baby. So this is like a comedy and all the royals and people are too snobby for this. The people love it. He doesn't look too good. You're not going to do this. Why not? Half the house. I don't trust that man. Half the house. You'll never see a penny. I want it here in my hands. I'm with her. He still laughs. What can I do for you? Is my pupil still interested in learning the art of music? Your pupil is married and living in Mannheim, young man. Really? You favor me with a little money instead? My answer is no, Mozart. What did he think was going to happen? Oh, this is so sad. Tell him I'm working on it. I'll come back later. Is it going to be him in the mask? Am I interrupting something? No. Good. Where's our friend? He's not here, but he's working on it. He told me to tell you. Is that it? I don't think I trust this guy either. The Requiem mask? You think I'm in the funeral business? Leave that alone. Sorry. I asked you if we could start rehearsals next week, and you said yes. Where is it? It's all right here in my noodle press. It's just scribbling, scribbling, beveling, beveling, scribbling. I'm scared for his mental health. Write it down on paper. If he writes it down, he'll steal it. I'm not working there anymore. Herr Mozart frightens me. He drinks all day, then takes all that medicine, and it makes him worse. He sits there all the time doing some silly opera. Are you sure it's an opera? He's going to go back and say, Write the death mask so I can kill you. He's not well. Are you neglecting my Requiem? No, I'll give you a wonderful piece, the best I ever kept. This is my wife. I've been sick, but I'm all right now. And he's working on it very hard. Give me two more weeks. Oh, I feel very sad. Why on earth won't you finish? He's killing me. What? I worry about you all the time. I do everything I can to help you, and all you can do is talk nonsense and frighten me. Go back to bed. Should we take that picture down? Remember when you kissed your precious child? I'm scared. Please let this have a redeeming ending for him. I mean, I know his music is like incredibly famous, but... He left. I've heard this one. Is this for the rich people? The snobs or the people? Oh, the people. But do they appreciate his music? He's fallen to his rock bottom. Can you just leave him alone? You better give him the money, Mr. Clown Man. He's sick. He needs medical attention. To the hospital. Is it over? Yes, yes, it's over. It's over. No! What's wrong with him? Is he withdrawing? You were so good to me. Please, please. To come to my opera. You were the only cop. Only you knew. I tell you, you're the greatest composer known to me. It's him. Tell him I'm still working on it. Don't let him in. Wait, it can't be him. Ask him if he would give me some money now. Tell him if he would, it would help me to finish it. Can we come in? Well, you better not. He's sleeping. He became dizzy. That's all. Tell him we can't buy it. Of course. Give him this. That's his chair. That's your chair, Bob. Indeed. Wait a second. He's gonna say it was the man. Oh, you. Don't you do it. He said to give you this. And if you finish the work by tomorrow night, you want another hundred ducats. It's impossible. Could I help you? Would you? This is so sad. Believe it. What? Fire which never dies, burning forever. Oh, I'm so concerned for him. Come, let's begin. Oh, poor Wolfie. Second measure, second beat. It is just G sharp? Of course. You have me. I think so. Show me. He can hear it. And he can hear it. Good. Now the tenors. Second beat of the fourth measure, on F. Now the orchestras. Identical notes and rhythm. Go too fast. Do you have it? Go too fast. Do you have it? Trumpets in D. Listen to me. No, I don't understand. Listen. Trumpets in D. Tonic and dominant. First and third beat. It goes with the harmony. He's a genius. Yes, I understand. Now for the real fire. Ostinato on A. Do you have it? Yes, yes, I think so. It's wonderful. Go on. In another life, he could have been friends and he could have had a happy life. Sopranos and altos and thirds. Altos on C. Sopranos above. Sopranos up to F on the second voca. Yes, yes, yes. And on dictus. Yes. And underneath, arpeggios. Arpeggios. Of course. Descending scale in eighth notes. And then back to the ostinato again. And that's it. Do you have it? Go too fast. One moment, please. One moment. Yes. Show me the whole thing from the beginning. I don't like this. I can hear it. He's very sick. Oh, my gosh. I feel very conflicted right now. Oh, my gosh. What did he actually die of? Yeah. Is this true? I need to know how much of this is true. I feel angry, sad, and robbed. Stop. That seems horribly disrespectful. Oh, my gosh. He's got it all wrong. Time for the water closet. I will speak for you, Father. I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their patron saint. Mediocrities everywhere. I absolve you. I feel so conflicted. Okay, wow. That was a long movie, but I was fascinated. And I needed to see the end. Although I didn't get my redemption. I really like the way they framed this as he's the storyteller. And he loves him. And he hates him. I need to immediately find out what's true and what's not. I am no music connoisseur in the slightest. But I was surprised at how many tunes I recognized. And also that I enjoyed it. The way they threw him in at the end just was... It's just crazy that he was maybe one of the most famous composers ever. And he was thrown in the dirt. And the acting. Oh, my gosh. Saleri? Salami? I kept wanting to say that. He was incredible. Mozart was incredible. He must have actually been like that, right? I feel like that's too far to just like spin a character. He must have actually been like that. I don't know how anyone would know that. But, wow. What a story. Okay. I'm gonna go research. Thank you so much for watching along with me. Have a wonderful night.