Review of The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) by Dickie L — 22 Jan 2010
A complex study of the classic 'forbidden love' theme - the clash between love and society, this superb period drama features the great Meryl Streep playing both the titular character and the actress playing her in a film - story within a story technique that heightens the idea of forbidden love in two very different, yet similar time periods and societal circumstances.
Director Karel Reisz is masterful at creating mood and tension out of the emotional intensity and bond developed between the Streep's Sarah and Charles Henry Smithson, played with a subtle emotional reality by Jeremy Irons.
The pair double up as Anna and Mike, the actors playing the roles having an illicit on-set affair. Harold Pinter's superb screenplay, adapted from the book by John Fowles, holds the two narrative threads together with beguiling ease, giving the players and director much to carve out the story from.
Beautifully shot, stunningly acted and superbly set up, the emotional resonance of this will remain long after you finish viewing.
This review of The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) was written by Dickie L on 22 Jan 2010.
The French Lieutenant's Woman has generally received positive reviews.
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