AS Film Favourite Summer 2014 Film

Fraser McKean

Enrolment Task

 

My favourite film that I saw this Summer 2014 was Belle, an Amma Asante film, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw as a mixed race daughter of a Royal Naval Admiral raised by her uncle Lord Mansfield (portrayed by Tom Wilkinson) in the 1700's. The reason that I personally enjoyed this film is that the idea of following a young, mixed race woman through the world in where African-American's were treated incredibly poorly, and the fact that the protagonist is of Caucasian and African-American roots, the protagonist is in the midst of slavery and due to the colour of her skin, she is out-casted from society, one scene is shown to where the family are hosting a dinner party, and Belle must dine with the servants in the kitchen at this time.

 

A story based on true events as well as a painting of Belle, at its heart, this film is a costumed melodrama with romance, although this may be common with other time-era films, this film also handles the concept of racism in the 18th century (although throughout the usage of such, you will most likely become desensitized) and the aristocratic way of life and their pride. However, the main aspect of this film is (when de-constructed) to show the torment that African-American's were put through during this era, even someone who was living in such a wealthy household is still affected.

 

Racism, love and struggles of one young woman is shown in this film from trying to relate the audience into the events that were present of the film, for example, the Zong massacre is followed through this film, an event in where 142 African-American’s were murdered, this is an infamous case and therefore the audience can understand the aftermath of the case as well as the reasons why the Lord Chief Justice had his own point of view of the case.

 

Camera angles in this film are highly intriguing, one example is one scene in where Lord Mansfield is addressing Belle of that she is not eligible to meet the outside world and assured that her life at the house will remain the same of that is has lived thus far, the camera angles point to a mirror for each character that is talking, so that we never actually see the pair communicate in great lengths, this disconnected view of the pair gives the impression that they may share the same name, but they lead completely different lives, this is evident as it is clearly proven that Lord Mansfield cannot comprehend the struggles that Belle undergoes as an African-American in an understanding and cruel world.

 

The film starts by introducing the protagonist's father, collecting and leaving his child with his family, it is made clear by this point that Belle is not welcome due to the colour of her skin. After many years, the family have grown accustomed to Belle, but retain their disapproval of Belle's father having relations with an African-American by stating to guests that she is merely "Here to accompany Elizabeth” (Their daughter) It should also be noted that Belle's father was a Royal Naval Captain, an honour that the family would see tarnished if people were to find this out. Belle's uncle, Lord Mansfield, is Lord Chief Justice, this plays an important part in the story as it is on his word to end slavery in England, can his opinion of the African-American culture be changed upon caring for Belle?

 

This film truly is a work of art, an 18th century romantic classic that will no doubt be remembered as such. This film was my favourite choice to write about, as a fan of dramas such as Franklyn, Donnie Darko, Control etc. I was pleasantly surprised with this film, as feeling that I encourage others to replicate upon this filmography.