This is one of those timeless classics that works on so many layers it's hard to take in, due to Shaffer's remarkable script (based on his play) and Forman's astute direction. Both bring a blast of fresh air into this fictionalised biopic, keeping things funny, edgy and human even as they grapple with weighty themes of artistic creation, resentment and faith. It's the story of Antonio Salieri (Abraham) and his bitter jealousy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Hulce) in 18th century Vienna. Salieri considered himself a genius until he was confronted by Mozart's far surpassing gifts. He blames God for the slight. And takes it out on Mozart.

The story is utterly devastating, but it is lifted and made accessible by the combination of cinematic ingenuity and astonishingly real performances. Abraham's smoothly insidious Salieri is such a contrast to Hulce's fun-loving lost-boy Mozart that they almost seem to be in different films. Which is of course the point. Both actors are spot on, but in an unconventional, surprising way that catches us off guard. Meanwhile, we're immersed in the place and time by drop-dead gorgeous production design that's authentically rough around the edges--big and lushly detailed, but never pretty or fussy. But the real star of the film is the music, performed beautifully and edited into the narrative with such artistry that it takes our breath away on more than one occasion. We experience the music as the characters write it--full of meaning and impact.