Vatel

Overview

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?

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