Page to stage to screen Part 1
Today we will be looking at the key elements, terminology and the foundation of film script and screening. We will be doing this by studying Peter Shaffer’s: Amadeus. We will be looking at two versions as well as the play, which is the normal film and then the director’s cut. The director’s cut shows the thoughts of the director and through this we can see why the things got cut or what the possible additions could have been. So consider the general play:
Consider the title: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – he was marked by a divine gift and considered a god in music.
Consider the role of Salieri – Who is he? Why is the play not named after him? It is a hint that he is the person who will be forgotten, because he works hard for what he wants when he wants God’s gift and inspiration.
What is the play about?
Genius – through musical ability.
Reputation – History, who gets remembered and what for.
Love and Hatred – Love is Amour, Music, God. Salieri portrays hatred and jealousy.
Perceptions of Ordinary – Salieri is someone who tries as hard as Mozart but will never be as good. He eventually in the end accepts that.
The opening of the play – Salieri: Bitter, vain, he wants to be God’s gift and be called upon. His speech in the play uses the audience to “talk out” his feelings to and interact with. He is highlighting how he has passed his time, it is too late for him. In the play, Mozart is perceived as being a generation younger than him, whereas in the play they are set as the same age. His audience are ghosts of the future, the lightening trick on the audience illuminates them and gives the audience’s characters purpose to break down the “false wall” and play on an intimate confession. The space on the stage is used effectively and to the end the use of costumes creates an effective time shift. So, by changing the physical context of the play it is economic and effective in the play. Although, it is easier to put time...