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Vatel
Metascore
44 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
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  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    90
    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.
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    70
    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.
  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Hazel-Dawn Dumpert
    70
    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.
  4. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    63
    The satire is surprisingly tepid.
  5. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    50
    Depardieu gives the story a firm center of gravity, aided by Joffé's eye for colorful settings and period detail.
  6. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    50
    Too much chaos, not enough heart. Bad for the digestion.
  7. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Foreman
    50
    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.
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  8. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Jessica Winter
    50
    Vatel is dull and silly, but the holiday season doesn't offer a better sets-and-costumes workshop.
  9. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: A.O. Scott
    50
    The movie wants desperately to function as a romantic tragedy, with passions glancing off the thoughtless pursuit of satisfaction. But Vatel can't really define the differences between the two; it settles into a period funk, as shallow as the court popinjays it seeks to expose.
  10. Variety
    Reviewed by: David Statton
    40
    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.
  11. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    32
    Joffe's latest is a formless, inanimate lump.
  12. Film.com
    Reviewed by: David D'Arcy
    30
    Vatel is really about production design, so if you're not absolutely passionate about 18th century table-settings, wigs and bodices, you might as well just stay at home and watch the Food Channel.
  13. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    10
    This putrid dish marks a new low for director Roland Joffe.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. MaryD.
    10
    Vatel was a gorgeous movie and the mis en scene was gorgeous and you felt you were back in the time period. I have read a lot about the sun king and his court and this brought it vividly to life. Dapardieu, Spall and Glover were excellent in their roles but special kudos to Murray Young who played the kings brother. The critics probably were not familar with the history being shown and so gave it a low score. This is a great movie and I highly recommend it.… Full Review »
  2. MarstenD.
    2
    This thing blew! I was shocked to see Depardieu and Thurman in a movie that was so utterly without drama, without passion, without any kind of redeeming human quality whatsoever.… Full Review »
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