Touchstone and Beyond: "Firelight"
Marquee Attraction: Firelight
Release Date: August 21, 1998
Domestic Box Office Gross: $785,482
Plot Synopsis
Charles is a rich landowner in England who wants a child. He makes an agreement with Elisabeth to bear his child. Charles pays her off and leaves to go home, having never told her his name. When Elisabeth gives birth to the child, it’s a daughter and she is quickly removed from her care.
Seven years later, Elisabeth paid off her father’s debts with the money she earned, but she wants to find her child. Having found Charles, she is hired as the daughter Louisa’s governess to the complete surprise of Charles. He wants her to leave, but Elisabeth ingratiates herself with Louisa, and the mother and daughter start to get along.
The longer Elisabeth stays her love for her daughter grows and her attraction to Charles blooms. Elisabeth is in love with Charles, and has her daughter Louisa, but is there a happy ending in sight?
Standing Ovation
The setting of the film is lovely, and the artistic shots that hold the film together make the movie cinematic.
Sophie Marceau plays Elisabeth so well that it is easy to see how Charles would fall in love with her.
Time for the Hook
There is a happy ending. It seems so matter of fact with little buildup that when the end comes, the audience is left asking, “Is that it?" I love happy endings, but I feel like there needs to be more tension than what we got out of this movie.
The story is very mundane. I find it hard to believe that Elisabeth would have been able to find Charles after seven years, especially during the 18th century.
The title does not really connect with the story. Yes I understand how it describes the connection between Elisabeth and Charles, but for a period piece sent in England, Firelight seems like the wrong choice to name this story.
Bit Part Player
Joss Ackland as Lord Clare. Ackland always makes a distinctive appearance in any film with his voice.
Did You Know?
- Nic Morris was nominated for an award from the British Society of Cinematographers.
- Morris won a Best Cinematography award from the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
- William Nicholson also won an award from the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
- The film had an opening weekend gross of $135,401.
- This was director William Nicholson’s feature film debut.
- The film was shot on location in Firle, England and Calvados, France.
Best Quotable Line
“Firelight makes time stand still." This is a great line that Elisabeth uses to connect with Louisa.
Bill’s Hot Take
British period pieces need compelling lead actors to capture the audience in caring about the narrative. This film would have done better at the box office if it had big name stars in the role.
Casting Call
- Sophie Marceau as Elisabeth
- Stephen Dillane as Charles
- Dominique Belcourt as Louisa
Production Team:
Directed by William Nicholson
Produced by Hollywood Pictures / Carnival Film & Television / Wind Dancer Productions
Written by William Nicholson
My Critical Response:
{Snub-Skip this Film, Lifeboat Award-Desperate for Something to Watch, Commuter Comforter-A Perfect Film for Any Device, Jaw Dropper- You Must Watch This Film on a Big Screen, Rosebud Award- This Film is Cinema.}
Firelight gets my Lifeboat Award. If you are desperate for something to watch and have the urge to watch a period piece set in England, then this is your movie. I wouldn’t make any special plans to see this film though.
Coming Soon
Next week, a look back at Goal! The Dream Begins.