Metacritic-Rezensionen

Boldly distinctive in its depiction of individuals caught up in a veritable infernal machine designed solely to give pleasure to a monarch, Vatel is a timeless tale of love and sacrifice in a world as opulent as it is cruel.

While the filmmakers are not above corset-drama bed-hopping and back-stabbing, it's delicious when the beds and backs belong to Uma Thurman, Tim Roth and Julian Sands.

You could hardly ask for more from a historical spectacle: Silly wigs, plunging décolletage, lavish banquets in ornate halls, a stirring score from Ennio Morricone and witty dialogue by Tom Stoppard.

The satire is surprisingly tepid.

Vatel is dull and silly, but the holiday season doesn't offer a better sets-and-costumes workshop.

Although Vatel is trying to say something about freedom and gilded cages, it feels more like a behind-the-scenes look at the high-end catering business.

Too much chaos, not enough heart. Bad for the digestion.

Depardieu gives the story a firm center of gravity, aided by Joffé's eye for colorful settings and period detail.

Vatel, a no-expense-spared costumer, is further proof that all the money and technical expertise in the world are no substitutes for a good screenplay and creative direction.

This putrid dish marks a new low for director Roland Joffe.