AMADEUS (1984)

Directed by: Milos Forman
Written by: Peter Shaffer
Studio: Orion Pictures
Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce
Rated: R

About the film:
Antonio Salieri, the court composer for Austrian Emperor Joseph II, becomes insanely jealous of the talent manifested in a spoiled, crude, immature man named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri, who recognizes that his skills are limited, cannot understand why God has blessed an offensive creature with such a musical gift.

Movie Quote:
"Lord, make me a great composer. Let me celebrate your glory through music and be celebrated myself. Make me famous through the world. Dear God, make me immortal.”
Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) in Amadeus (1984)

Bible Quote:
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.”
1 Kings 3:9-10 (NIV)

Commentary:
What a difference in prayers… and in results. Salieri prayed for personal fame and glory through the music he would compose. In contrast, King Solomon simply asked for an understanding heart so that he might rule God’s people wisely and well. To whom did God reward? Salieri did not receive the lasting fame he desired even though he tasted a small bit of success in his time. On the other hand, Solomon was known throughout the world for his wisdom… a wisdom that continues to reach and teach people to this day.

There’s nothing wrong with praying for the desires of our hearts. But when those desires are selfish or self-serving, we should not expect them to be answered. In Amadeus, Salieri blamed God for abandoning him in favor of Mozart. The truth is that the problem was not with God… it was with Salieri and what he had placed in his heart.

When we approach God with a humble heart and a genuine need, He is always faithful to respond and provide for us. It is when we approach him with pride or greed that our prayers will go unheeded. There’s no fooling God. He looks upon our heart. It is our responsibility to make sure that what He sees there is pleasing to Him.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Life is competitive. How should Christians handle competition?

2. Prayer is an expression of our heart. What kind of prayers will God hear and what kind of prayers will not reach him?