The read
Audiences rate it 22 points higher than critics do.
Synopsis
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?
Ratings
Audiences rate it 22 points higher than critics do.
182 audience votes
Key crew
- Jeanne LabruneScreenplay
- Ennio MorriconeOriginal Music Composer
- Roland JofféDirector
Cast
- Gérard DepardieuFrancois Vatel
- Uma ThurmanAnne de Montausier
- Tim RothMarquis de Lauzun
- Timothy SpallGourville
- Julian GloverPrince de Conde
- Julian SandsLouis XIV
- Murray Lachlan YoungPhilippe d`Orleans
- Hywel BennettColbert
- Richard GriffithsDr. Bourdelot
- Arielle DombaslePrincess de Conde
- Marine DeltermeAthenais de Montespan
- Philippine Leroy-BeaulieuDuchesse de Longueville