Critic Rating
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Director
Roland Joffé
Cast
Gérard Depardieu,
Uma Thurman,
Tim Roth,
Timothy Spall,
Julian Glover,
Julian Sands
Genre
History,
Drama,
Romance
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?
We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
Boldly distinctive in its depiction of individuals caught up in a veritable infernal machine designed solely to give pleasure to a monarch, Vatel is a timeless tale of love and sacrifice in a world as opulent as it is cruel.
TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox
You could hardly ask for more from a historical spectacle: Silly wigs, plunging décolletage, lavish banquets in ornate halls, a stirring score from Ennio Morricone and witty dialogue by Tom Stoppard.
L.A. Weekly by Hazel-Dawn Dumpert
While the filmmakers are not above corset-drama bed-hopping and back-stabbing, it's delicious when the beds and backs belong to Uma Thurman, Tim Roth and Julian Sands.
USA Today by Mike Clark
The satire is surprisingly tepid.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Depardieu gives the story a firm center of gravity, aided by Joffé's eye for colorful settings and period detail.
New York Daily News by Jami Bernard
Too much chaos, not enough heart. Bad for the digestion.
New York Post by Jonathan Foreman
Although Vatel is trying to say something about freedom and gilded cages, it feels more like a behind-the-scenes look at the high-end catering business.
Village Voice by Jessica Winter
Vatel is dull and silly, but the holiday season doesn't offer a better sets-and-costumes workshop.
Variety
Vatel, a no-expense-spared costumer, is further proof that all the money and technical expertise in the world are no substitutes for a good screenplay and creative direction.
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
This putrid dish marks a new low for director Roland Joffe.
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