

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?
Production
Feast scenes so lavish you'll smell the sugar sculptures.
Costume
Every ruff and ribbon screams money you'll never have.
Acting
Depardieu's weary nobility carries the whole crumbling court.

Director
Roland Joffé
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Vatel invented crème Chantilly; the film's kitchen scenes used 80,000 real props.
Released the same year as Gladiator, this forgotten cousin asks: what if the help refused to be entertainment?