AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 77


Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Antonio Salieri: [reflecting upon a Mozart score] On the page it looked nothing. The beginning simple, almost comic. Just a pulse. Bassoons and basset horns, like a rusty squeezebox. And then suddenly, high above it, an oboe. A single note, hanging there, unwavering. Until a clarinet took over and sweetened it into a phrase of such delight! This was no composition by a performing monkey! This was a music I'd never heard. Filled with such longing, such unfulfillable longing, it had me trembling. It seemed to me that I was hearing the voice of God.

Amadeus (1984)
Original List Ranking: 53
Starring: Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham
Director: Milos Foreman
About: This film won Best Picture, and remains a standout for many. It appeared much higher on the original list, but then wasn't a part of the list a decade later. The film certainly has incredible craft. It's a long film, but one that focuses on a famous figure in a unique way. Some people really click and resonate with this film. I never have. I appreciate the craft and storytelling, but it's never been a personal favorite. Still, it remains an interesting addition to this list, especially for fans of musical biopics.

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