Having a charismatic star wouldn't have helped "Firelight." But it certainly wouldn't have hurt it as much as Sophie Marceau's awful lead performance.
This ponderously dull historical romance mistakenly centers its story on Marceau ("Anna Karenina"), who's known for her cool demeanor. And she's cool, all right — as in cucumber frigid.
Of course, it doesn't help that she's been paired with British stage actor Stephen Dillane ("Deja Vu"), with whom she has no chemistry. In fact, the "grand passion" between them comes off more as two mannequins trying to fake emotions.
Marceau stars as Elisabeth Lauriet, a young Swiss woman who gave up the child she conceived during an illicit romance with British aristocrat Charles Godwin (Dillane).
Haunted by thoughts of her long-lost child and by memories of the brief dalliance, Elisabeth successfully applies to be the girl's governess, much to Charles' consternation.
But to everyone's surprise, Elisabeth manages to educate the spoiled 7-year-old (Dominique Belcourt) and break through Charles' uncaring facade, as the two begin a torrid, behind-doors affair.
There are several obstacles in the path of their romance, though, including Charles' devoted sister-in-law (Lia Williams), who's desperately in love with him, and his charming American business partner (Kevin Anderson), who's got eyes for Elisabeth. And of course, there's the matter of his wife, who's been comatose for a decade.
If the plot sounds ridiculously contrived, it is. Writer/director William Nicholson (screenwriter of "Nell" and "First Knight") was obviously striving for something more intelligent than your typical Harlequin romance, but the results are bloodless and uninvolving.
However, his direction is heavy-handed and none of the actors seem particularly inspired, save Joss Ackland, who steals some scenes as Charles' womanizing father.
"Firelight" is rated R for simulated sex, male and female nudity, a violent tussle and some plate-throwing, use of vulgar slang and one profanity.