I've done this. I used LED strip lighting with an adhesive backing with a small slit in the handle underside to provide illumination. I forget which wire signals the lighting, but it is at the door lock pump and is the feed from whatever module provides signal from the key fob to lock or unlock the car. As such, it doesn't come on whenever the doors are locked from the interior or automatically by the car, but does illuminate when the fob signals to lock or unlock. I felt this was closest to an OEM-type setup.
I used a fader designed to upgrade dome lights in classic cars to have the lights illuminate and and dim gradually. I don't recall which As such, whenever I lock or unlock the car, these lights come on for approximately 20 seconds.
I will provide video after it is dark here of the effect.
Here is the dimmer:
http://www.revolutionelectronics.com/Dome_Light.html