This film tells the story of François Vatel, a master of ceremonies at the service of Prince Louis II of Condé, one of the most important aristocrats of the French court but that was bankrupt and away of the good graces of King Louis XIV. The approaching of a war with the Netherlands makes Condé, anxious to led the king's armies, decides to invite the king for a weekend at his Castle of Chantilly, hoping to be able to recover the royal sympathy. Then Vatel is in charge of organizing a three-day party like never seen before for king's amusement. Based on historical events, the film is directed by Roland Joffé, has argument by Jeanne Labrune (in original French version) and features Gérard Depardieu (Vatel), Uma Thurman (in the role of Anne of Montausier, one of the king's lovers) and Tim Roth (as the Marquis de Lauzun, the king's confidant).Joffé managed to make the audience relive the events. The environments, the locations for filming, the costumes, the music, everything was thought out and analyzed carefully to reproduce the atmosphere of the time, so we must congratulate this effort for historical accuracy, which even received a nomination for the Oscar for Best Art Direction. The actors met well with their roles. The script also works in interesting ways, including some situations where we glimpse the contrast (and even shock) of the two worlds of seventeenth-century France: the richness and unparalleled luxury of the court and the absolute misery of the common people. Also positive note for the soundtrack of Enio Morricone, although not one of his best-known or most interesting compositions.

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.

Gérard Depardieu is François Vatel, I'm not sure what his actual title was, but he was a combination of master chef, kitchen manager, estate manager, and live show producer. The setting for the whole story is the country estate, over a few days, when the king of France, Louis XIV, and his vast party are dropping in for some peace and quiet. However custom at that time was that the king was to be lavishly entertained, no matter what. One problem was Vatel's employer, the prince de Conde (Julian Glover), was virtually broke, and hoped that the king would appoint him to a high military position, one that would pay well. And, if they were to go to war with Holland, that would assure it. Meanwhile, the merchants who provided food and other supplies were put off until then, and it fell to Vatel to convince them that the money would come.Much of the middle story involves the spoiled and decadent behavior the king and his vast traveling party. The king's brother, who was gay, made a request for Vatel himself. The king requested a young kitchen boy, and Vatel put a stop to that. Uma Thurman is the vaguely British Anne de Montausier, having an affair with the king, but attracted to Vatel. The movie focuses on Vatel himself, his everyday life, his skill at making changes in the menu when, for example, half of the lobster shipment was bad, or the fish catch was unusually small. Vatel is painted as a strong person with high integrity, and barely able to tolerate the misbehavior he witnesses. A good movie for those who enjoy realistic period pieces.MAJOR SPOILER. Desperate, Vatel's employer bets and loses Vatel in a card game against the king. When he learns this, partly feeling unappreciated and partly dreading going into service for the king, Vatel poisons and kills himself, honor before all else.

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.