Amadeus (1984), Director: Miloš Forman, rated PG for some sensuality, crudeness

The man... The music... The madness... The murder... The motion picture...

Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice, Simon Callow, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones, Charles Kay

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"That was Mozart. That! That giggling dirty-minded creature I had just seen, crawling on the floor!" - Antonio Salieri

Why watch this? Well, 8 Oscars is why - plus it IS a brilliant, exceptional film.

Plot Summary: Mozart is blessed with natural musical ability. Though a musical genius, he is outwardly childish and crass. That is until he thinks of his father, a stern man who was constantly disappointed in his son. Juxtapose Mozart to Salieri, a reserved man plays by the rules. He's true to his craft, loyal to his employers, and faithful to God, yet always denied greatness. In his anger, Salieri, forsakes God and becomes obsessed with destroying the young composer.

Dad's Preview: The theme is the prodigy versus the journeyman. This masterpiece is steeped in symbolism and details a haunting subtext of one man's guilt, and another's relentless quest for retribution. Both are tragic figures, yet very interesting as a case study. This period piece has elaborate costumes and sets, and it's realism rings through, as well. There may not ever be another film quite like this.

The Saul Zaentz Company; Orion Pictures