Vatel (2000)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Sick Product of a Sick System

Just perfect...

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The biggest problem of this barely watchable piece of dreariness is that there is almost no story, but plenty of scenes with Depardieu organizing catering and what-not. Costume dramas are supposed to have intrigue, political and personal, plot-twists, surprises, and not just look nice. If you want a good period piece, take a look at "Barry Lyndon" or "The Duellists", not this European-produced hogwash. These two films are visually superior to "Vatel", as well. Whatever little intrigue and plot there is tends to be unpleasant rather than fascinating.Who cares whether Vatel's boss or some other moron gets to fight the king's war? Plus, who wants to watch Uma Thurman's wooden acting? She and Depardieu have no chemistry simply because she is a non-reactive agent in Chemistry's Actors' Periodic Table.

This film is about a servant of noble values having to prepare an extravagant feast for the King's visit.Vatel understandably focuses on one single character, Francois Vatel. To me, everything else in the film seems to be subplots or minor characters. Much time is spent on portraying Vatel as a hardworking, bright and noble person. He even knows his subordinates' life history by heart! Vatel's noble virtues contrasts with the corrupted mortals of high social status. The film's dark theme is sometimes overshadowed by the merry atmosphere of the feast. The extravagant sets and amazing costumes are very dazzling. The film is worth the watch just to see the feast scene!

Vatel, perhaps a weak title to a spectacular film; it recreates the excesses of the French court in its pre-off-with-their-heads-phase. In order to escape bankruptcy, the gout afflicted Viscount must entertain the King so sumptuously and so entreatingly, that the King may commission a war with Holland, thereby paying the Viscount's debts. To keep the King and his courtiers entertained, it was no small thing, so the entire countryside is enlisted in the feasts and entertainment. None will be paid unless the banquets are a success. Louis' entourage of Queen, mistresses, and waggish cavaliers run riot through the festivities. The fete is essentially an Olympic opening parade that goes on for three days in dazzling costume orchestrated by one great artist, the Viscount's steward, Vatel.Vatel orchestrates the extravaganzas and falls for Uma Thurman, the King's new mistress. She is not yet the jaded courtesan and sees greatness in Vatel's can-do veneer. Indeed, Vatel is a man of integrity, denying the King's pedophile brother a young kitchen boy at the risk of his life. Vatel swats away meddling noblemen and women for the entire feast while making love to Thurman, star-crossed lovers though they are. Gerard Depardieu is brilliant even with his modest grasp of English.

Contains Spoiler!!!! I thought this movie was great! I showed the theatricality and Royal Propaganda that went on in Early Modern France. Vatel was a complete victim with no option left for himself. He spends the whole film thinking that he is the master of his own destiny but when his master trades him like a horse in card game he realizes that he is not. He is really just a pawn like everyone else.I also love the use of mirrors in this film. Vatel objectifies the upper class by alway viewing them in mirrors. When Uma's character sleeps with the king she looks at herself in the mirror and sees herself as an object for the first time.I thought this film was all about the powerlessness people felt during this time. To people who didn't like the ending, it was based on a true story so he had to kill himself at the end.