Belle

Inspired by the scandalous story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw)—the illegitimate, mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode)—who was raised by her aristocratic great-uncle, William Murray/Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson), and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle is a sumptuous, if also stultifying, period drama replete with heaving bodices and stiff manners. Given the dearth of known biographical facts about Dido Belle, screenwriter Misan Sagay has drawn upon inferences made from a portrait painted of Dido and her half-cousin, Lady Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Gaden). Indulged in luxury, these two young women were brought up almost as equals, sharing joys and sorrows, until the time came for them to marry. While Elizabeth is groomed for her presentation to society and courtship, Dido is not, even though her father left her a considerable fortune (propriety dictates that marriage revolve around status and social standing). Dithering around them are ambitious Lady Ashford (Miranda Richardson) and her two eligible sons (James Norton, Tom Felton). Director Amma Asante errs on the side of dignity and restraint, casting radiant British/South African actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the title role but only giving her Jane Austen leftovers to work with in a story that lacks humor or subtlety. Optional.[Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the production featurettes “The Power of Belle” (6 min.), “From Painting to Screen” (5 min.), “The History Behind the Painting (5 min.), “The Story” (4 min.), and “Gugu Mbatha-Raw: Breakout Role” (4 min.), a stills gallery, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)