|
(UK/France) Directed by Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields, The Scarlet Letter). The film is English language. Distributor is Miramax in the US.
Cast: Gérard Depardieu (as Vatel), Tim Roth, Uma Thurman.
Plot: The story is based on a historical event. François Vatel (1631-1678) was in charge of cooking for the Duc de Condé. He prepared elaborate meals and entertainment for King Louis XIVth when he visited the Condé's castle of Chantilly. These were very political events, with the Duc de Condé's status with the king at stake -- even, perhaps, the destiny of France. The film is a visual extravaganza with incredible reproductions of 17th Century costumes, food, fireworks, and mechanical contraptions. The plot is complicated when Vatel falls for Anne de Montausier (Thurman), a new favorite of the King's.
|
|
