Vatel (2000)
The Cannes Film Festival always produces good movies. At least that's what they say. So I went to Vatel, a non-Hollywood movie, first released in Cannes.
Although it is a non-Hollywood movie, it has all the elements of Hollywood. A big budget, a big set, and famous Hollywood artists (Uma Thurman, Tim Roth). The only french things in it is Gerard Depardieu and the setting.
Set in 1671, the story is about the visit of King Louis XIV to the Castle of Prince Conde. The Prince of Conde must prepare a set of festivities to make sure that the King is happy, so he assigns his Master Steward, Francois Vatel, (Depardieu) to prepare a three-day banquet.
The whole movie is set in the huge Castle of Conde. Very detailed background, you can see the difference between kingdom and peasants in seconds. I can't recall any other movie set in 17th century France with such precise details. From the castle, to the clothes, to the props, to the food.
But with this good set comes a vague story. For the first hour I was still guessing where the movie is going to. There weren't a lot of conversations, and when there was one, it was short with high-class language. It looked like a love triangle, but it wasn't. Actually it was just the Master Steward preparing the whole party. And then the fish came too late, or he was just too impatient.
It's worth watching only when you're interested in 17th century France. Or Gerard Depardieu's big nose. After all, it is a non-Hollywood movie. If you're looking for action or suspense, then just go to The Gladiator or MI-2 again.
Indra Moeljadi now understands why the French are like that
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