The film is told from the perspective of Antonio Salieri (played by F. Murray Abraham), a court composer at the Viennese court, who becomes consumed by jealousy and admiration for Mozart’s unparalleled genius. Salieri narrates the story of his rivalry with Mozart, a rivalry that is both personal and professional, and one that ultimately drives him to madness.

Salieri’s deep envy of Mozart’s effortless brilliance forms the crux of the film’s plot, exploring the destructive nature of jealousy and how it can cloud one’s sense of self and morality. Salieri is deeply conflicted—while he is envious of Mozart’s musical talent, he is also fascinated by it, and his obsession with his rival’s genius ultimately leads him down a dark path.

Salieri narrates the story of his rivalry with Mozart, a rivalry that is both personal and professional, and one that ultimately drives him to madness. Salieri’s deep envy of Mozart’s effortless brilliance forms the crux of the film’s plot, exploring the destructive nature of jealousy and how it can cloud one’s sense of self and morality. Salieri is deeply conflicted—while he is envious of Mozart’s musical talent, he is also fascinated by it, and his obsession with his rival’s genius ultimately leads him down a dark path.