Greek title: Βατέλ Russian title: Ватель Original title: Vatel
Alternative titles: Vatel – Ein Festmahl für den König
Feature – France Production year: 2000 Movie length: 103 minutes
Director: Roland Joffé Writer: Jeanne Labrune Cinematograph: Robert Fraisse Music: Ennio Morricone
Movie description:
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?