After the acclaimed play and the nigh-perfect 1984 film adaptation, Amadeus is getting the miniseries treatment.
Make no mistake, Amadeus is one of those staggering works that makes you slap your forehead and go Of course! that’s why we make art!” Peter Shaffer’s 1979 play is amazing (I caught it a few years back with Michael Sheen as Salieri), Miloš Forman’s 1984 film adaptation is about as perfect as movies get, and the themes of artistic jealousy and the unknowable nature of genius are as relevant as ever. Now, it’s being turned into a miniseries, which… well, it could go either way.
Amadeus Trailer
What’s the plot?
As the official synopsis tells us:
This spectacular five-part reimagination explores the meteoric rise and mythic downfall of one of history’s most iconic composers and rockstar virtuoso of the 18th century, Wolfgang ‘Amadeus’ Mozart. Will Sharpe will star as musical prodigy Wolfgang ‘Amadeus’ Mozart, Paul Bettany as envious court composer Antonio Salieri, and Gabrielle Creevy as Constanze Weber, Mozart’s fiercely loyal wife.
When twenty-five-year-old Amadeus arrives in bustling 18th Century Vienna, no longer a child prodigy and craving creative freedom, his world collides with two pivotal figures: his fiercely loyal future wife, Constanze Weber, and devoutly religious court composer, Antonio Salieri. As Amadeus’ brilliance continues to flourish in spite of his personal demons, a questionable reputation and scepticism from the conservative court, Salieri becomes increasingly tormented by this apparent divine gift. Amadeus is a threat to all that he holds dear in life: his talent, his reputation, even his faith in God, Salieri vows to bring him down. What begins as professional rivalry turns into a deeply personal obsession spanning 30 years, culminating in a murder confession and a desperate attempt to entwine himself with Mozart’s legacy forever.
Who’s in it?
- Will Sharpe as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- Paul Bettany as Antonio Salieri.
- Gabrielle Creevy as Constanze Mozart.
- Rory Kinnear as Emperor Joseph, and man, that’s a fun role.
- Lucy Cohu as Cecilia Weber.
- Jonathan Aris as Leopold Mozart.
- Ényì Okoronkwo as Da Ponte.
- Jessica Alexander as Katerina.
- Hugh Sachs as Von Strack.
- Paul Bazely as Gottfried van Swieten.
- Rupert Vansittart as Rosenberg.
- Anastasia Martin as Aloysia Weber.
- Nancy Farino as Josepha Weber
- Olivia-Mai Barrett as Sophie Weber
- Viola Prettejohn as Princess Elizabeth
- Jyuddah Jaymes as Franz Xaver Süssmayr
When’s it out?
All five episodes of Amadeus hit Binge on December 21.
What’s the vibe?
I am completely in the bag for big, sumptuous costume dramas myself, so I’d be in the bag for this even if it wasn’t based on one of the single best works of art of the past 50 years. If I must pause – and I must, it’s the job – it’s because I’m not sure being extended to five freakin’ hours will do it any favours, but I’m happy to be wrong.
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