Vatel (2000)

Want to see it?

Seen it?

0
1
2
3
4
5
Rate this movie.

Buy it now on DVD

Starting at $14.70

Want to buy it?

Write a review

Discuss it

Add to lists

Recommend it

Get recommendations

Directed by Roland Joffé.

Starring Féodor Atkine, Hywel Bennett, Arielle Dombasle, Julian Glover, Tim Roth, Uma Thurman, Gérard Depardieu.

A man hoping to win the favor of a King finds that his heart has gotten in the way in this lavishly-produced comedy-drama. In 1671, the Prince du Conde (Julian Glover) is a figure of French nobility who is deep in debt and suffering from gout. Hoping to buoy his fortunes and his reputation, du Conde wants to win command of the French Army in an anticipated conflict with Holland. When du Conde receives word from the Marquis de Lauzun (Tim Roth) that that King Louis XIV (Julian Sands) wishes to spend three days at his estate, du Conde is determined to pull out all the stops, and he asks Francois Vatel (Gerard Depardieu) to make the arrangements. Vatel is a master chef with a genius for arranging spectacular entertainments, and he is determined that this will be a weekend that the king will always remember. But that's before Vatel meets Anne de Montausier (Uma Thurman), a lovely courtesan traveling with the king's party. Anne is the king's new mistress, but that doesn't stop Vatel from falling in love with her, and he is determined to win her heart. Produced in both English and French language versions, Vatel was chosen to open the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

[more]

Reviews and discussions

Vatel
by JimBell in JimBell Blog

liked it.

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]
"Every element of Vatel, 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 Vatel (Gerard Depardieu). But as Vatel 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 Vatel, 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 ... " [More]

Tags: uma , opulent , royalty , hospitality , king
View all