Vatel (2000)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Roland Joffé

Writers:

Jeanne Labrune, Tom Stoppard (English adaptation)

Stars:

Gérard Depardieu, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gérard Depardieu	...	François Vatel
Uma Thurman	...	Anne de Montausier
Tim Roth	...	Marquis de Lauzun
Timothy Spall	...	Gourville
Julian Glover	...	Prince de Condé
Julian Sands	...	Louis XIV
Murray Lachlan Young	...	Philippe d'Orleans, 'Monsieur'
Hywel Bennett	...	Colbert
Richard Griffiths	...	Dr. Bourdelot
Arielle Dombasle	...	Princess de Condé
Marine Delterme	...	Athenaïs de Montespan
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu	...	Duchesse de Longueville
Jérôme Pradon	...	Marquis d'Effiat
Féodor Atkine	...	Alcalet
Nathalie Cerda	...	The Queen Marie-Thérèse

Storyline

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?

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Plot Keywords:

prince | king | holland | court | mistress | 

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Taglines:

Some men are too noble to live among aristocracy.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and some violence

Details

Official Sites:

Miramax Films [us] behind the design, trailer Vatel

Country:

France UK Belgium

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 2000 (France)

Also Known As:

I kongens magt

Box Office

Budget:

$36,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$4,136 (USA) (29 December 2000)

Gross:

ESP 73,280,628 (Spain) (29 June 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Légende Entreprises, Gaumont, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film opened the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.

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Goofs

During the evening banquet on the second day, there are fireworks. The music played and sung (heard) is 'Music for the Royal Fireworks'. G. F. Handel composed this piece in 1749. The movie is set in 1671. It had not been composed by that time.

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Quotes

Gourville: [Condé is gambling with the King] Is the Prince losing his chateau?
Marquis de Lauzun: Not if he plays his cards wrong.

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Connections

Featured in Comandante (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Contredanse"
(from "Les Indes galantes")
Composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau
Performed by L'Orchestre 'La Tempesta' by Patrick Bismute
Conducted by Jean-Michel Bernard

User Reviews

Visually stunning look at the technology and society of "Court"

The film's production value is in league with the best sci-fi films; yet it was a legit piece about European Court in the 17th Century and the impact of the monarchical system of government on love, money, culture and politics. If you've ever experienced an unrequited or forbidden (not illicit) love, you'll empathize with the plight of François Vatel, played by Gérard Depardieu, whose performance is characteristically excellent. The movie's historical elements offer a surprising look at the available technology, even if the applications were anticipated. The love story is not original (stations interfere with true, but conflicted, love), but the context and visual surroundings -- and the fact that it is historically based -- add an unexpected dimension to the viewing, which is best appreciated on a large screen.