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Vatel
Under discussion:
Vatel
(2000)
Every element of
V
atel
, from start to finish, is classy. For three days in 1671, King Louis and his entourage visit a noble’s estate. The noble, a possible general in the possible war with William of Orange of Holland, hopes to have his financial woes cured by impressing the king. That job falls to his wonderful Head Steward, Francoise
V
atel (Gerard Depardieu). But as
V
atel orchestrates sumptuous meals and arranges exotic entertainments, he ruffles some feathers. He refuses to let his workers be abused by royalty, he does not want to kowtow to the court, and he falls in love with the same woman the king has his all-powerful eye on (Uma Thurman). Throughout, King Louis and his hangers-on look superficial and spoiled, while
V
atel, though flawed, is a substantial man of admirable character and impressive talents. Has he run into an immovable obstacle, met his match? This movie may not have been a hit because of the ending. Without giving away the ending, I will say that it makes sense but it comes so fast, with so little preparation, that it seems hollow, as if the script had turned from character study to merely get the story told and wrapped up. But this movie is well worth watching.
Jim Bell
posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 3:20 AM by
JimBell
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