What is the plot?

Court composer of the Habsburg Empire, Antonio Salieri, Paul Bettany is driven into hatred and jealousy when a new musician, a prodigy, Mozart, arrives at the empire’s court, and he realises his mediocrity compared to Mozart. Based on a stage play by Peter Shaffer, influenced by the play of Alexander Pushkin.

Is Sky’s version of Amadeus any good?

It is highly engaging. It is much better than the 1984 film for one very good reason: Will Sharp’s Mozart is not so exaggerated. Sharpes Mozart is decadent but not an exaggerated cartoon. This was the case of the first Mozart, which Tom Hulce played. Whereas Will Sharp’s Mozart is a real person. Decadent, yes but a more rounded personality as well.

The Ups And Downs of Mozart, played by Will Sharp, life at the Habsburg court

The story told is one of the extraordinary highs and the sad lows of Mozart’s life. Many of Mozart’s works were often engineered by Antonio Salieri due to his ability to manipulate court politics. In the series, it is Antonio Salieri who is portrayed as the villain and Bettany does a good job of this. Antonio Salieri’s evil behaviour towards Mozart is even worse because of the affable nature of the latter. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart does not deserve the misfortune inflicted upon him by Salieri’s burning jealousy.

Paul Bettanys, Antonio Salieri is Machiavellian

Whereas Tom Hulce’s 1984 version of Amadeus, foolish behaviour makes you slightly understand where Salieri is coming from. I think the removal of Hulce’s behaviour makes you less tolerant of Antonio Salieri, behaviour towards Amadeus, as Mozart isn’t really deserving of his misfortunes.

I watched all 5 episodes of Paul Betanys Antonio Salieris court manipulation

 At the end of the day, I watched all 5 episodes, enjoyed them, and did not find myself wanting it to end. I would often watch 2 episodes in one session. That is rare for me as I am not part of the Binge-watching generation.

Its all bullshit anyway 🙂 created by Pushkin

Finally, on a factual basis, there is no evidence that Salieri were big rivals or any of the material in the play, but I don’t care, it is a great story. If you don’t have Now/Sky I would severely recommend that you get it for a month and watch it.

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