Paul Bettany Steals the Spotlight in a Bold New Take on Amadeus
There’s been a lot of quiet buzz around Paul Bettany lately, and it’s largely because of his striking turn in a brand-new television adaptation of Amadeus . If the 1984 Oscar-winning film feels like sacred ground to you, this new version might sound risky on paper. But what’s been delivered is something surprisingly fresh, playful, and emotionally sharp, with Bettany right at the centre of it all.
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This reimagined Amadeus , now airing on Sky Atlantic, leans into excess in the best possible way. The 18th-century Viennese court is presented as a place of power plays, indulgence, and barely disguised cruelty. Into that world steps Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, played with manic energy by Will Sharpe. And standing opposite him is Antonio Salieri, the respected court composer whose life begins to unravel the moment Mozart’s genius is fully revealed.
Bettany’s Salieri is not portrayed as a cartoon villain. Instead, his descent is handled with restraint and depth. The jealousy that consumes him is shown as something almost involuntary, as though it’s being forced upon him by fate itself. His pain is written all over his face the first time he encounters Mozart’s effortless brilliance, and from there, the tension only deepens. What’s been made clear is that this Salieri isn’t driven purely by malice, but by heartbreak, disbelief, and a shattering crisis of faith.
What really works here is the tone. This is not a dusty, reverent period drama. It’s saucy, fast-moving, and knowingly modern in its language and rhythms. The dialogue is peppered with contemporary phrasing, the characters speak in their natural accents, and the drama is allowed to feel messy and human. Bettany fits seamlessly into this approach, delivering a performance that feels theatrical without ever slipping into excess.
The rivalry between Salieri and Mozart has always been the engine of Amadeus , but stretching the story across multiple episodes allows that relationship to breathe. Salieri’s internal struggle is given room to grow, and Bettany makes full use of that space. Whether he’s seething in silence during Mozart’s triumphs or plotting his next move with cold precision, his presence anchors the series.
In the end, this new Amadeus feels less like a remake and more like a reinterpretation for modern audiences. And while Will Sharpe’s Mozart is chaotic and compelling, it’s Paul Bettany who leaves the most lasting impression. His Salieri is tragic, furious, and painfully human, proving once again that Bettany excels when he’s allowed to explore characters driven by inner conflict. Genius may be entertaining to watch, but here, obsession is what truly steals the show.
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