15 Greatest Ending Lines In Film History

Despite its title, Amadeus isn't actually about Mozart, but instead focusses on fellow composer Antonio Salieri, who is driven almost insane by the fact that the younger prodigy is so much better than himself, and plots to destroy him.

The movie is told from the perspective of an elderly Salieri, who is taken to a priest after seemingly admitting to having killed Mozart years previously. He recounts his sordid tale, and holds nothing back when describing his jealousy and loss of faith during his one-sided clash with Mozart's genius.

The film ends with Salieri finally content with Mozart's talent and his own lesser skills. In his epiphany, he finally accepts himself, and calls to those around him to accept their own flaws:

“Mediocrities everywhere, I absolve you. I absolve you. I absolve you all.”

In-keeping with Amadeus' dark, strangely comical tone, this final farewell offers Salieri the chance to have a small victory over his lifelong foe, and skates on the edge of parody just enough to make it feel as funny as it is quietly tragic and troubling.