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Reviews
Amadeus (1984)
Monumental masterpiece
The first time I saw Amadeus, I was 13 years old. Although I always loved classic music I thought it was the dullest, longest film ever made. The only memorable line at that time being "...people so lofty they sound as though they s*** marble!" When I was 17 I saw it again and the mastery of the complete work slowly dawned upon me. I am now 29 and watch this film at least once per annum and there is always something fresh, witty and intriguing that I had missed on previous viewings. (Often when people ask how can you keep on watching the same film over and over, my answer is: why do you buy a painting?) The acting of F. Murray Abraham is indeed worthy of an Oscar. It is strange that he never again reached this acting peak in the subsequent years of his career. In the scene where (as an old man in the asylum) he narrates his fantasy of his intended murder of Mozart and the ensuing, beautiful funeral (...Mozart's LITTLE coffin, while from the choir the most heavenly music - composed by his dear friend, Antonio Salieri! Ssss...!!) I ask myself if better acting has ever been filmed. Also the music used in this film is masterfully selected an played by St Martin in the Fields. When 4 Mozart experts were asked to recommend a conductor for this project; the choice was made easy when all 4 wrote on their slips of paper: Neville Marriner. A film which is truly worthy of the clichés "unforgettable", "masterpiece" and "monumental". This film is not an accurate description of the Mozart-Salieri affair; but never claimed to be. Watch it - several times.
Paljas (1997)
sagacious pallet of human colour
A simple but brilliant storyline captured by what must be a vastly talented director. Wonderful camerawork and good acting. This is a thorough, deserving and most enjoyable film. It will no doubt remain a gem in the archives of the art-film.
Les misérables (1995)
fragrant mix of life
Seldom has a well-known plot served so well as germ for a loose adaptation of the same title. The usual pitfalls of remakes and adaptations have been avoided and the result is a breathtaking picture with a wondrous mix of surreal coincidence, fantasy, fluent narration, everyday detail brilliantly highlighted and genuine pain. The tempo of this movie is fast yet never rushed. The story lends itself perfectly to the cyclic nature of Lelouche's adaptation and the actors are brilliant. How is it possible that Martines (Mrs Ziman) is not world-famous? Of all the Les Miserables made to date, in my view this is by far the best.