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Characters Characters

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Historic
Musical genius

Mozart's extraordinary talent is factual, but the film's portrayal of his personality as childish and vulgar is debated. While he was known for his wit and irreverence, the film exaggerates these traits.

Antonio Salieri

Historic
Envious composer

Salieri was a real composer, but the film's depiction of him as a jealous rival driven to destroy Mozart is largely fictionalized. There's no concrete evidence to support the claim that Salieri poisoned Mozart.

Constanze Mozart

Historic
Supportive wife

Constanze Mozart is depicted as somewhat frivolous and naive, which may not fully reflect her true personality.

Emperor Joseph II

Historic
Patron of the arts

Emperor Joseph II was a real historical figure and patron of the arts. The film accurately depicts his role as a patron of music and his relationship with both Mozart and Salieri.

Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg

Historic
Opera director

Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg was a real Austrian diplomat and patron of the arts. The portrayal of his character is mostly accurate, though the degree of his involvement in the alleged rivalry between Mozart and Salieri is dramatized.

Story Story

Mozart's genius

True

He is widely considered one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time.

Mozart's behavior

Partly true

Mozart was known for his playful and sometimes immature behavior, but the film exaggerates these traits for dramatic effect.

Salieri's rivalry

Partly true

Antonio Salieri was a composer contemporary to Mozart. While there may have been professional rivalry, the film's portrayal of intense jealousy and Salieri's supposed confession is largely fictionalized.

Mozart's financial struggles

True

Despite his success, Mozart faced financial difficulties throughout his life.

Mozart's Requiem

True

Mozart did compose a Requiem Mass, which was unfinished at the time of his death.

Salieri's role in Requiem

False

The film suggests Salieri commissioned the Requiem and took credit for parts of it. This is a fictional element.

Mozart's death

Partly true

The cause of Mozart's death remains uncertain. The film implies Salieri may have played a role, but there is no historical evidence to support this.

Mozart's burial

Largely true

Mozart was buried in a common grave, as was customary at the time. The film's depiction of a pauper's funeral is accurate, but the dramatic storm is fictionalized.

Salieri's mental decline

Partly true

Salieri did experience mental health issues later in life, but the film's portrayal of his guilt and madness is exaggerated.

Music and opera scenes

Good depiction

The film features excerpts from Mozart's operas and other works, effectively showcasing his musical genius.

Mozart's relationship with his father

Average depiction

The film portrays the complex relationship between Mozart and his father, Leopold, but simplifies some aspects.

Setting Setting

Costumes and sets

Good depiction

The film's costumes and sets recreate the opulent atmosphere of 18th-century Vienna.