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The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981),
Director: Karel Reisz, rated R
for language, sexual content
She
was lost from the moment she saw him.
  Starring:
Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Hilton McRae, Emily Morgan,
Charlotte Mitchell, Lynsey Baxter, jean Faulds, Peter Vaughan,
Colin Jeavons
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"There was madness in
me at that time. A bitterness, an envy. I forced myself on you,
knowing that you had other obligations. It was unworthy! I
suddenly saw after you had gone that I had to destroy what had
begun between us!" –
Sarah, to Charles
Why watch this? This
is creative storytelling at its best.
Plot Summary:
The story weaves together two parallel narratives, alternating
between a 19th-century forbidden romance and the modern-day
filming of that same story. In the Victorian time, a gentleman
paleontologist named Charles becomes obsessed with Sarah, an
enigmatic outcast, risking his reputation and engagement to
pursue her. Meanwhile, the two actors playing these roles start
an off-screen affair, mirroring the passionate but complicated
dynamics of their characters.
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Dad's Preview:
The 1980's produced some very well-made Victorian
romantic tragedies, and I must confess, not my cup of
tea. I was into teen comedies and slasher films then.
So, watching this film is about personal growth. Yes, it
is weepy and young Meryl longingly pines quite often,
but it is the manner of the telling, jumping back and
forth in time, that holds our attention. The parallels
of the central lovers, Sarah/Anna and Charles/Mike,
creates a mystery in two eras. Will either relationship
survive? Should it? I must admit that Ms. Streep is
growing on me, however I have always admired the intense
Jeremy Irons - that man can act. This is ideal date-nice
fare, so curl up and enjoy. |
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Leon Clore;
United Artists |
