Vatel
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Art Direction, this film is an exceptional portrayal of the real life pomp and decadence of the French court in the late 17th century. Gerard Depardieu plays the movie's title character who must produce outrageous feasts and fanfare for the entertainment of the King. When a woman new to court life intrigues all with her sense of humanity (Uma Thurman) and falls in love with Vatel, a calculating noble (Tim Roth) wishes to seize her for his personal debaucheries. An artistically inspiring yet politically sobering drama about the injustices imparted onto the underprivileged by the elite who rule with savage sensuality.