AMADEUS ANALYSIS

The marriage of Figaro scene

The establishing shot shows a majestic stage and a wide audience viewing a performance then we cut back to an old looking man reminiscing about Mozart’s presentation. We can see it’s the older version of Salieri because after it cuts from him, it shows a younger version of him watching the performance.

Straight away we can see that Salieri is possibly evil by the way he looks and shot. He has black hair that is different to everyone else, wearing white wigs, this is the binary opposite. Salieri is framed very lonely watching the presentation and also half of his face is cast in shadow, using low-key lighting; this is even the same when he is older. Mozart, on the other hand, is wearing bright clothes and is in the centre of most shots, showing his importance and getting the audience’s attention. He is described by Salieri as a “Vessel of God” and is stood in front of an altar-looking table in some shots, these shots are low-angle, mid shots and show Mozart’s superiority.

The Music is very overwhelming and loud at the start and Salieri describes the stage as heaven-like, golds, whites and colours symbolising purity spread around showing it was a religious experience.

Before the Emperor yawns, young(ish) Salieri is becoming trapped in the frame, the camera moves closer. After he yawns, Salieri has more space in the frame, maybe showing us that he is relived and he relished Mozarts un-appreciation.