The character of Faust has long fascinated artists and intellectuals. His tale of ambition, temptation, and damnation has inspired countless adaptations, including works by Marlowe, Goethe, and Berlioz. In the context of "Amadeus," Salieri's Faustian narrative serves as a metaphor for the sacrifices he believes he made in order to compose music at a level comparable to Mozart's.
The "Faustian bargain" is an intellectual concept. On stage, it is a legal contract. In the German tradition, it is heavy and philosophical. In the Italian tradition, as interpreted by Salieri, it is often effervescent yet cynical. Faust Mario Salieri English Subtitles