Vatel
Miramax Films | Release Date: December 25, 2000 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
44
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
4
Mixed:
6
Negative:
3
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
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. Read full review
70
L.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn Dumpert
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. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
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. Read full review
63
USA TodayMike Clark
The satire is surprisingly tepid. Read full review
50
Village VoiceJessica Winter
Vatel is dull and silly, but the holiday season doesn't offer a better sets-and-costumes workshop. Read full review
50
New York PostJonathan Foreman
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.
50
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
Too much chaos, not enough heart. Bad for the digestion. Read full review
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Depardieu gives the story a firm center of gravity, aided by Joffé's eye for colorful settings and period detail. Read full review
50
The New York TimesA.O. Scott
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. Read full review
40
VarietyDavid Statton
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. Read full review
32
Mr. ShowbizMichael Atkinson
Joffe's latest is a formless, inanimate lump. Read full review
30
Film.comDavid D'Arcy
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. Read full review
10
Rolling StonePeter Travers
This putrid dish marks a new low for director Roland Joffe. Read full review
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