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chrissybeach94's review
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
charity_royall_331's review against another edition
5.0
The movie version of this is one of my favorites, but I had never read the spellbinding original until now. Because the play is so fully realized on the page, with incredibly elaborate set directions, I would love to see it performed.
slypig's review against another edition
2.0
"Now for the first time I feel my emptiness as Adam felt his nakedness... Tonight at an inn somewhere in this city stands a sniggering child who can put on paper, without actually setting down his billiard cue, casual notes which turn my most considered ones into lifeless scratches."
As much as I dislike Salieri--along with every other character in this play--I relate to him on such a personal level. His monologue at the end of Act I, which I quoted from above, so perfectly captures my feelings as a writer on those discouraging days that naturally come to every artist. There were so many powerful lines that told me I'm not alone when I feel mediocre! If it weren't for the abundance of foul language and blatant portrayal of God as an uncaring, sometimes malevolent spectator, I might have given this play three stars.
As much as I dislike Salieri--along with every other character in this play--I relate to him on such a personal level. His monologue at the end of Act I, which I quoted from above, so perfectly captures my feelings as a writer on those discouraging days that naturally come to every artist. There were so many powerful lines that told me I'm not alone when I feel mediocre! If it weren't for the abundance of foul language and blatant portrayal of God as an uncaring, sometimes malevolent spectator, I might have given this play three stars.
iampotassium's review against another edition
4.0
Again, it's always funny seeing the movie before reading the book or play it was based off of but I found this play very enjoyable to read. I really liked how Salieri narrated the whole thing. It made Mozart seem, if possible, even more annoying than he was in the movie, which emphasized that you were watching him through Salieri's eyes.
I loved the venticelli who brought him gossip. I just loved the way their characters talked - it made them really seem like the little winds their name is based off of. I also really liked the mix of French and Italian with the English. It kept me on my toes because, especially for the Italian, I really had to think about what they were saying. It was fun trying to do it without the help of a translator. Fetes and fireworks I say...
I loved the venticelli who brought him gossip. I just loved the way their characters talked - it made them really seem like the little winds their name is based off of. I also really liked the mix of French and Italian with the English. It kept me on my toes because, especially for the Italian, I really had to think about what they were saying. It was fun trying to do it without the help of a translator. Fetes and fireworks I say...
susieliston's review against another edition
4.0
I saw this play many years ago, so I don't remember how it differs from the movie. Now that I've re-read this I have to watch the movie again quick before I forget it......
book_reader_of_books's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Life-changing icl
melisaolgun's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not the person to wholly enjoy plays, however, both of Shaffer's plays take the cake for well written plays.
Amadeus is, well Amadeus. The play is well written to highlight both Salieri and WAM's life. Both serious and comedic, this play will impress many people. Read this before the movie, and I HIGHLY recommend the movie. There's always a slim chance that the movie meets the expectations of the book based off of, and this is one of those examples.
Who do I recommend it to? Music lovers, people who love drama, people who enjoy historical fiction, those who want to read a good play.
Amadeus is, well Amadeus. The play is well written to highlight both Salieri and WAM's life. Both serious and comedic, this play will impress many people. Read this before the movie, and I HIGHLY recommend the movie. There's always a slim chance that the movie meets the expectations of the book based off of, and this is one of those examples.
Who do I recommend it to? Music lovers, people who love drama, people who enjoy historical fiction, those who want to read a good play.
nicoleoftheisland's review against another edition
4.0
Marks off for the absolutely deplorable way it treats women, but sweet Jesus the theatricality of the thing is so on point, even more so than in Shaffer's nigh perfect Equus. Salieri is an anti-hero for the ages and the storytelling style works so perfectly. I read the most recent edition and the stage directions in it add nothing almost to the point of distraction. Now to find a production where they'll let me play Salieri.