Vatel

During the reign of King Louis XIV, a master steward, François Vatel (Depardieu), works to gain favour for an out-of-favor prince. The king and his retinue arrive for a three-day visit at the prince's castle, and he must spare no expense to entertain a court whose sensual appetites know no bounds.

Vatel rises to the occasion, producing tables of opulent food and extraordinary spectacles of music, dance and theatrics. Although he rules an army of peasants in kitchen galleys and backstage areas, he must also maneuver among the treacherous political intrigues of the courtiers.

In the midst of these banquets and cruel indulgences, Vatel falls in love with the king's current favorite, lady-in-waiting Anne de Montausier (Thurman), herself a pawn in the pleasure games.