Sky Atlantic's new historical drama 'Amadeus' has sparked a fierce critical debate since its debut, with reviewers divided over its explicit content and its fidelity to the beloved source material. The six-part series, which launched on 21 December, offers a provocative and sexually charged reimagining of the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
A Symphony of Scandal and Critique
Created by writer Joe Barton and directed by Julian Farino and Alice Seabright, the drama follows a 25-year-old Mozart, played by Will Sharpe, as he arrives in Vienna seeking creative freedom. His world soon intersects with his future wife, Constanze Weber (Gabrielle Creevy), and his devout rival, court composer Antonio Salieri (Paul Bettany). The series frames their relationship as a three-decade obsession, culminating in a murder confession.
However, the show's explicit sexual content has become a major point of contention. Reports indicate a scene was cut for being 'too real for TV', with actor Ényì Okoronkwo (Lorenzo Da Ponte) joking his first sex scene was removed. Critics have highlighted scenes involving a dominatrix, self-gratification, and a notoriously graphic moment with a strawberry, suggesting the series makes popular period romps like Bridgerton seem tame.
Critical Crescendo: Praise and Panning
The critical reception has been markedly polarised. The Daily Mail's Christopher Stevens awarded four stars but criticised the show's vulgarity, calling certain moments a 'desecration' of Mozart's music. He described the drama as taking the 1984 Oscar-winning film as a template and turning 'every dial up to 11'.
In a two-star review, The Guardian's Lucy Mangan was less forgiving, branding the series a 'pale, petty version' of the original film and play. She argued that the profound themes of envy and genius from Peter Shaffer's work were reduced, and that shifting Salieri's confession to Mozart's widow instead of a priest lowered the dramatic stakes.
Conversely, Tech Radar's Jasmine Valentine (4 stars) praised the 'undeniable chemistry' between Sharpe and Bettany, calling their portrayal of the rivalry 'unhinged'. The Telegraph's Jasper Rees (3 stars) noted the shift from scatology to sex and framed the drama as a 'theological whodunnit' under Barton's guidance. The Irish Independent's Pat Stacey (3 stars) found it a 'solid drama' but doubted its lasting impact, especially for those familiar with the original film.
Legacy and Verdict
Featuring a strong supporting cast including Rory Kinnear as Emperor Joseph and Jonathan Aris as Leopold Mozart, 'Amadeus' undeniably attempts a bold, modern reinterpretation. Yet, it stands as one of the season's most divisive releases. For some, its raunchy, amplified style is a thrilling update; for others, it's a 'pale imitation' that fails to capture the sublime tension of the classic story. The series is now available for viewing on Sky Atlantic, inviting audiences to judge this controversial composition for themselves.
