The Art Directors Guild (ADG) Film Society and American Cinematheque present the Oscar®-nominated classic VATEL (2000) in 35mm and a conversation on 17thCentury French Design, Theater, and Cuisine on Sunday, May 21, at 5:30 PM at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood). Starring Uma Thurman and Gérard Depardieu, VATELis a French-British historical drama directed by Roland Joffé (The Mission, The Killing Fields), and Production Designed by Jean Rabasse (Jackie, City of Lost Children). This event is the second in the 2017 ADG Film Society Screening Series entitled “Production Design: Legacy, Pageantry & Artistry,” sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter.
The panel will include J. PATRICE MARANDEL, recently retired after 15 years as curator of French and Italian art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and JOHN IACOVELLI ADG, Professor of Theatre Design and History and an Emmy®-winning Production Designer. The discussion, moderated by Production Designer and Film Society founder JOHN MUTO ADG, will explore French art, architecture, costumes and history as it is portrayed in this lavish period film.
Said Muto: "VATEL is exactly the sort of film for which the Art Directors Film Society was created. It’s a stunningly beautiful production, shot on fabulous locations, featuring amazing kinetic theatrical scenery, as well as extraordinary costumes, outrageous wigs, and endless banquets of magnificent food. The film also has humor, romance, and skullduggery. If ever a film deserved a wider audience, it's Vatel. This is a unique chance to marvel at such a production as it must be seen on the Egyptian Theatre's big screen."
"I think VATEL has a special meaning for those of us who design films. Not only is it remarkably beautiful, but also feels as if it's about our craft. While there have been several dramatic films devoted to fine artists – as well as films about architects, theatre and film directors, and even choreographers – VATEL appears to be a unique story of a 17th Century Production Designer," adds Muto.
Set in 17th century France, VATEL is based on the true story of a commoner who, through wit and talent, rose to become the "master of the house" overseeing every detail of the sprawling country estate and mansion of the Prince de Conde, cousin to King Louis XIV. In the film, the entire French court, including hundreds of nobles descend upon Vatel (Gérard Depardieu), intent upon gorging themselves on his renowned feasts and marveling at his incredible spectacles. Meanwhile, Vatel embarks upon an ill-advised and dangerous love affair with the King's latest ravishing mistress (Uma Thurman). Vatel's world truly comes crashing down upon him when he learns that his erstwhile patron has used him as a betting chip — and lost him to another noble in a card game. Tom Stoppard’s adaptation of this tale of royal intrigue is richly nuanced, and VATEL’s Oscar-nominated production design and set decoration and score by Ennio Morricone offer a feast for the senses.
The Art Directors Guild Film Society 2017 Series includes:
• Sunday, June 25 – BAMBI (1942) and TYRUS (2015) at the Egyptian Theatre (double feature): A Tribute to Illustrator Tyrus Wong
• Sunday, July 30 – THE DRAUGHTSMAN’S CONTRACT (1982) and PROSPERO’S BOOKS (1991) at the Egyptian Theatre (double feature): A Tribute To Director Peter Greenaway
* Schedule subject to change
Representing the Art Directors Guild are Film Society Co-Chairs Thomas A. Walsh, John Muto and John Iacovelli and Debbie Patton, ADG Director of Awards and Events. Working with them are the American Cinematheque’s Gwen Deglise, Margot Gerber and Grant Moninger. General admission: $12. American Cinematheque members: $8. Students/Seniors with valid ID: $10. All screenings start at 5:30 PM; 24-hour information is available at 323-466-FILM (3456).
For Information about the 2017 ADG Film Series click here.
For ticket information, go to American Cinematheque's website.
About the Art Directors Guild
The Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) represents 2,500 members who work throughout the United States, Canada and the rest of the world in film, television and theater as Production Designers, Art Directors, Assistant Art Directors; Scenic, Title and Graphic Artists; Illustrators and Matte Artists; Set Designers and Model Makers; and Previs Artists. Established in 1937, the ADG’s ongoing activities include a Film Society, an annual Awards Banquet, a creative/technology community (World Building Institute), a bimonthly craft magazine (Perspective); and extensive technology-training programs, figure drawing and other creative workshops and year-round Gallery 800 art exhibitions. The Guild’s Online Directory/Website Resource is at www.adg.org. Connect with the Art Directors Guild on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE
Established in 1981, the American Cinematheque is a 501 C 3 non-profit viewer-supported film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all of its forms. At the Egyptian Theatre, the Cinematheque presents daily film and video programming which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema to new independent films and digital work. Exhibition of rare works, special and rare prints, etc., combined with fascinating post-screening discussions with the filmmakers who created the work, are a Cinematheque tradition that keep audiences coming back for once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences. The American Cinematheque renovated and reopened (on Dec. 4, 1998) the historic 1922 Hollywood Egyptian Theatre. This includes a state-of-the-art 616-seat theatre housed within Sid Grauman's first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. The exotic courtyard is fully restored to its 1922 grandeur. The Egyptian was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. In January 2005 the American Cinematheque expanded its programming to the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. For more information about American Cinematheque, visit the website at http://www.americancinematheque.com Follow the American Cinematheque on Twitter: @sidgrauman Facebook: Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre.
