Vatel

• 6.1
• 2000-05-01
• 125 minutes mins

In 1671, with war brewing with Holland, a penniless prince invites Louis XIV to three days of festivities at a chateau in Chantilly. The prince wants a commission as a general, so the extravagances are to impress the king. In charge of all is the steward, Vatel, a man of honor, talent, and low birth. The prince is craven in his longing for stature: no task is too menial or dishonorable for him to give Vatel. While Vatel tries to sustain dignity, he finds himself attracted to Anne de Montausier, the king's newest mistress. In Vatel, she finds someone who's authentic, living out his principles within the casual cruelties of court politics. Can the two of them escape unscathed?

Starring:

Gérard Depardieu (Francois Vatel) Uma Thurman (Anne de Montausier) Tim Roth (Marquis de Lauzun) Timothy Spall (Gourville) Julian Glover (Prince de Conde) Julian Sands (Louis XIV) Murray Lachlan Young (Philippe d`Orleans) Hywel Bennett (Colbert) Richard Griffiths (Dr. Bourdelot) Arielle Dombasle (Princess de Conde)

Director:

Roland Joffé

Writer:

Jeanne Labrune