87
Metascore
28 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100L.A. WeeklyF. X. FeeneyL.A. WeeklyF. X. FeeneyRemains the most popularly successful film ever to render the inner life of an artist.
- 100Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonIt still soars, but now it seems richer, more expansive. Amadeus reminds us that movies can be lyrical as well as vulgar, ambitious as well as playful, brilliant as well as down and dirty -- just like Amadeus himself.
- 100New Times (L.A.)Gregory WeinkaufNew Times (L.A.)Gregory WeinkaufOne of the finest qualities of Amadeus is that it reminds us of those rare occasions when an Oscar sweep is actually merited.
- 100San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleThis expands an already long movie to more than three hours, but this time there's no getting enough of a good thing. [2002 Director's Cut]
- 100New York Daily NewsJack MathewsNew York Daily NewsJack MathewsAmadeus is about as close to perfection as movies get. [2002 Director's Cut]
- 90The A.V. ClubTasha RobinsonThe A.V. ClubTasha RobinsonThe superbly edited original version of Amadeus used overlapping sound cues for a lively flow between scenes, and the new version breaks up some of that flow with lengthy, talky interludes. Still, Ondricek's breathtaking images and Forman's essential craft are best appreciated on the big screen, and another theatrical run for Amadeus is a welcome gift, no matter how much this edition unnecessarily gilds what's already a near-perfect lily. [2002 Director's Cut]
- 83Baltimore SunMichael SragowBaltimore SunMichael SragowExcept for the Mozart music and Tharp movements around the edges, Amadeus plays like a monument to mediocrity. The movie belongs to Salieri.
- 83Portland OregonianTed MaharPortland OregonianTed MaharThe big-screen reissue offers a rare chance to admire the marvelous production details. [2002 Director's Cut]
- 75The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam LaceyThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam LaceyAmadeus needs an additional 20 minutes running time like "The Magic Flute" needs a drum solo. Though the production is gussied up with more frills and decoration than a Viennese dessert trolley, Forman is generally workmanlike in his visual style and very uneven with his handling of actors.
- 60Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrIt binds up introductory lessons in music appreciation, Freudian psychology, and fanciful history with a pulp thriller plot.