Amadeus (1984) Re-Release Review: F Murray Abraham’s Deliciously Villainous Mozart Rivalry Returns

Right, let’s talk about proper villains, shall we? Not your Marvel baddies with their world-ending schemes, but the deliciously human kind that make you feel a bit guilty for enjoying their wickedness so much. F Murray Abraham’s Salieri in Amadeus is the gold standard, and seeing his gorgeous villainy back on the big screen in 2025 is an absolute treat.

The Greatest Frenemy Story Ever Told

Having caught this re-release at a packed screening in Leicester Square last night, I can confirm that Abraham’s performance hits different on the big screen. His Salieri – that bland court composer eclipsed by Tom Hulce’s cackling genius Mozart – serves pure theatre with a side of venomous envy that would make modern influencer beef look positively tame.

The film, adapted from Peter Shaffer’s stage play, turns historical rivalry into psychological warfare. And cor, does Abraham sell it! Every sideways glance, every forced smile while watching Mozart’s operas – it’s masterclass stuff that makes today’s method actors look like they’re doing GCSE drama.

Why This 1984 Banger Still Slaps

In an age where we’re proper obsessed with “nepo babies” and viral Twitter spats, Amadeus feels weirdly current. Salieri’s journey from mediocre success to bitter has-been could be a LinkedIn cautionary tale. The way he watches Mozart – this gifted upstart with his “nitrogen giggle” (think Jimmy Carr meets classical genius) – revolutionise music while he’s stuck churning out forgettable tunes… well, who hasn’t felt a bit Salieri seeing someone younger smash it?

That White Lotus Connection

Speaking of staying relevant – Abraham’s recent scene-stealing turn in The White Lotus proves he’s still got that lizardly charm. Watching him in Amadeus, you’d swear he hasn’t aged a day, though he’s traded 18th-century Vienna’s chocolate treats for Sicilian aperitivos. Same energy, different century.

FAQ: Your Amadeus Questions Answered

Is Amadeus historically accurate?

Not entirely, mate. While Mozart and Salieri were real composers in Vienna, the whole murderous rivalry thing is mostly dramatic license. Think of it more like The Crown – based on true events but spiced up for maximum drama.

Why is this re-release special?

This is the original 1984 theatrical cut, not the extended director’s cut that’s been doing the rounds. It’s tighter, meaner, and honestly, the better version for first-time viewers.

Is it worth seeing on the big screen?

Absolutely. The costumes, the music, Abraham’s magnificent eyebrow work – it all hits different in cinema. Plus, the remastered sound makes Mozart’s music properly bang.

The Final Movement

Look, we’re spoilt for choice with villain origin stories these days, but Amadeus remains the blueprint. F Murray Abraham’s gorgeous villainy as Salieri is a masterclass in making mediocrity magnetic. Whether you’re a classical music buff or just enjoy watching people being spectacularly petty, this re-release is worth your time.

Catch it while you can – and remember, next time someone younger and more talented threatens to overshadow you at work, at least you’re not plotting their downfall while dressed in knee breeches. Probably.