Rachel Portman is currently recording her score for the upcoming period drama Belle. The film is directed by Amma Asante (A Way of Life) and stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Sam Reid, Tom Felton, Matthew Goode, James Norton and Emily Watson. The movie follows a mixed–race girl who is raised as an aristocratic lady in 18th century England Story and faces class and color prejudices and develops a relationship with a vicar’s son who is an advocate for slave emancipation. Misan Sagay (The Secret Laughter of Women) wrote the screenplay with Asante and and Damian Jones (The Iron Lady, Millions, The History Boys) is producing the project. Portman’s music is being recorded in Prague. Belle is expected to premiere later this year. No word yet on a domestic distribution deal.
The composer’s other upcoming projects include Diablo Cody’s Paradise starring Russell Brand & Julianne Hough and the British comedy drama Still Life directed by Uberto Pasolini.
