“All men are equal in God’s eyes,” says a priest to an old man nearing the end of his life. The man snaps back with a fierce glare and asks, “Are they?” Director Milos Forman attempts to answer the age old question of what is better: good work or god-given talent?

1984’s Amadeus is categorized as a period drama; however, this film has all the elements of a biopic. It is heavily based on the life of one of the world’s greatest musical talents, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. However, Forman’s approach is innovative and unique, portraying Mozart’s rise and fall through the eyes of his “rival,” Antonio Salieri. The story is told in a flashback style, with the present-day Salieri beaten down by his own mediocrity and failure. Jumping back to the past, we are introduced to a young Mozart, teeming a childlike spirit. Tom Hulce creates a lovable Mozart, and even through a rival’s eyes, we stand by him. Hulce not only brings a spirited feel to the screen, but also one of vulnerability and hunger, bringing to life a man in which our generation knows only through artwork and classical pieces.

F. Murray Abraham takes the lead role as Antonio Salieri, a man who works tirelessly to have his own music heard. Nowadays, the phrase goes “real recognize real” and Salieri immediately understands where he stands amongst the ranks of Mozart. Mozart’s music is referred to as the “voice of God.” We slowly watch this man evolve from being inspired by Mozart, to becoming obsessed by his flaws. Abraham pulls this role off marvelously, which won him an award for Best Actor at the 1985 Academy Awards.

I am usually not very fond of any film involving powdered wigs and opera; however this film is an undeniable masterpiece. The dim lighting creates an eerie setting for some scenes, but in an instant, the scene flips to an eye-popping set, looking as if it is a moving work of art. Themes related to envy and deceit still exist today, making this movie more relevant than ever. This is a timeless classic, and should be seen by anyone out there.