Vatel

Vatel

Some men are too noble to live among aristocracy.

2000 · 125 min · ★ 6.1 · 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?

Directed by Roland Joffé · Written by Jeanne Labrune

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Cast

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
Marine Delterme Athenais de Montespan
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu Duchesse de Longueville

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