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It might be the best example of how to avoid the clichés of the biopic genre (and specifically the musical biopic). Milos Forman’s Amadeus, based on Peter Shaffer’s play, succeeds on many levels, but one of its cleverest inventions is in making it as much, if not more, the story of his rival, Salieri, who is really one of the great movie anti-heroes. Telling the story through the eyes of the wealthy, successful and mediocre court composer (F. Murray Abraham) driven practically mad by the fact that his talent is infinitely eclipsed by the uncouth, cocky and frankly pretty goofy young Wolfgang (Tom Hulce), Amadeus is an engrossing study of the maddening mysteries of genius and inspiration. Salieri is both Mozart’s bitter, scheming worst enemy and his biggest fan; the only man who can truly comprehend the heights of his genius. Now, on the film’s 25th anniversary, there’s a new Blu-ray edition of Forman’s Director’s Cut, which adds 20 minutes (and some nudity) to the film. Specifically, This week also sees the American release of the first volume of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s addictive Kitchen Nightmares TV show—the discs contain the U.K. version, not the screamy, somehow unpleasant U.S. import. The concept is simple: Ramsay takes a failing restaurant and tries, not always successfully, to whip it into shape, battling bad cooking, uncooperative owners and foul hygiene. It’s fascinating viewing, and it presents a more shaded view of the famously choleric chef. -MARK SLUTSKY |
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