AMADEUS

       Amadeus was an interesting film. It is not what I had expected at all. I am not really sure what I thought it would be about but my mind never once went to Mozart. It was very well done. I often do not think of these famous people as regular people. What kind of life did they have and how they lived. The costumes in this film are very extravagant. Big, full dresses and lots of hats. Almost everyone is wearing a dramatic hat at one point or another in this film. The circle that Mozart runs in is high up in social standing so there are parties all the time and costumes for the parties. As in the characters in the film are dressing up and wearing masks for the parties and other events. The use of color in this film mostly light with dark dramatic costumes and props. It makes them pop and more noticable. However, there are parts in this film when the color pallet is dull and toned down. For instance when Mozart is writing the opera for whom he thinks is his father's ghost he is troubled. He is in a dark place and the use of color helps bring you in to his darkness. If not for the candles and the fire it would be pitch black dark. There isn't much color in the costumes and the set. It makes you focus on Mazart and what he is going through.
     The production design also helps to portray the story. In the beginning when we first see the mental hospital it gives you a sense of hopelessness. There are men literally in cages. This also helps us to see how far we've come as far as helping those with mental illness since the time of this film. We don't lock them in a place with others like them without help and just forget them. The houses in this film portray extravagance and luxury and riches. While Mozart's home is far from a mansion it also shows us that he is far from living in a dump. There are big fire places and crown molding and large doors windows and fancy chandeliers.
    I think the theme that I took away from this film is to be careful what you wish for. It may seem like something you really want or need at the time but have you looked at the big picture and how whatever it is you want will affect it?