| | | Some men are too noble to live among aristocracy.
Features: DVD, Dolby Digital (5.1), Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
The epic true story of an ordinary man caught in a world of great power, corruption and extravagance. Louis XIV rules at Versailles, but in the west of France, one province is out of favor--and on the verge of ruin. Prince de CondŽ has come up with a plan to get his province out of debt: he'll invite the king to his country chateau for a weekend of spectacle and merriment. If he can get back in the king's good graces, the royal coffers will open, and his region can avoid economic disaster. The whole plan rests on the one man who can deliver the sumptuous food, elaborate entertainment and all-out decadence fit for this king...Vatel.
"A landmark in world cinema!" Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Editor's Note
Set in 1671 France under the decadent reign of Louis XIV, VATEL charts the events of a three-day feast in an impoverished western province. In an effort to impress the gilded king and then ask him for financial support, Prince de Condé (Julian Glover) invites Louis XIV (Julian Sands) to his country chateau for a weekend of courtly merriment. Gerard Depardieu stars as Vatel, the chef and entertainment planner, who must succeed in presenting the most lavishly organized occasion the king has ever witnessed. Vatel masterminds the sumptuous details of the weekend with gusto and charming bravura. The chateau of de Condé is transformed into a world of delights, enthralling the king, his court, and especially the king's favorite lady-in-waiting, Anne de Montausier (Uma Thurman). But when the kindly Vatel wins Anne's fancy, he is in danger of angering the opulent and lustful king and his villainous cohort Marquis de Lauzan (Tim Roth). Based on a true story, with a screenplay cowritten by Tom Stoppard and Jeanne LaBrune, this decadent period piece from director Roland Joffé is a fine visual confection. The film features stunning production and costume design that captures the opulence of France's most legendary court and most celebrated king.
| Features | Scene Access | | Interactive Menus |
| Technical Info
|
Release Information
| | Studio: Buena Vista |
| Release Date: 5/6/2003 |
| Running Time: 103 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 2000 | | Catalog ID: 21684 | | UPC: 00786936145083 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: Color |
| Cast & Crew
|
| | Professional Reviews | USA Today
"...A sustained visual feast..." 12/21/2000 p.4DMovieline's Hollywood Life
"...Roland Joffe's best film in years....[With] a marvelous ensemble..." 03/01/2001 p.36 Premiere
"...Very sumptuous-looking....[Thurman] adds a poignant note of grace..." 03/01/2001 p.104-5 Los Angeles Times
"...Boldly distinctive....VATEL is a timeless tale of love and sacrifice in a world as opulent as it is cruel..." 12/25/2001 p.F6 |
| |
|
|
|
