Finding detail and background on Amadeus at Imdb.com

amadeus
Originally uploaded by Aytena

- Amadeus" is most often translated to mean "loves God", "lover of God", or "for the love of God".

- Was Mozart the goofball as depicted in this film?
Not in Marcia Davenport's biography of Mozart, 1932.
At least in private, Mozart could be crude. In his letters he could be quite insulting and had a love of scatological humor. He wrote canons with titles like "Leck mich im Arsch" (Lick My Ass). He also loved to drink, party and gamble, often spending copious amounts of money.
Another point is that almost all of Mozart's dialog spoken in the movie was Mozart's own words, translated from the German, of course, taken from his letters and other sources.
- Antonio Salieri (1750-1825) was a real person, an Italian composer and conductor. As the Austrian imperial Kapellmeister from 1788 to 1824, he was one of the most important and famous musicians of his time. However, as near as it's possible to tell, he was not out to kill Mozart. Although they competed for some commissions, all indications are that they had a friendly relationship. Salieri lent Mozart court manuscripts and even tutored one of his sons.
- Antonio Salieri (1750-1825) was a real person, an Italian composer and conductor. As the Austrian imperial Kapellmeister from 1788 to 1824, he was one of the most important and famous musicians of his time.
However, as near as it's possible to tell, he was not out to kill Mozart. Although they competed for some commissions, all indications are that they had a friendly relationship. Salieri lent Mozart court manuscripts and even tutored one of his sons.
- Your essay on Amadeus should be built around pertinent quotes. Imdb offers numerous quotes -
- Emperor Joseph II: "My dear young man, don't take it too hard. Your work is ingenious. It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect."
- Mozart: "Which few did you have in mind, Majesty?"
- This touches upon the nature of art and artistic criticism. Mozart's sharp response brings up the nature of the artist and independence.
- Katerina Cavalieri: "Looks don't concern me, Maestro. Only talent interests a woman of taste." This reminds us of the appeal of art and artists and the conflict that lies in success.

Words of Mozart from an admirer on Flickr.com:
"As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence, I have formed during the last few years such close relations with this best and truest friend of mankind, that his image is not only not terrifying to me, but is indeed very soothing and consoling! And i thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity.... of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness"

"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love ,that is the soul of genius."

"people make a mistake who think that my art has come easily to me. Nobody has devoted so much time and thought to composition as I. There is not a famous master whose work i have not studied over and over."