The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981)

Epochal dramas rarely limit themselves to merely a superficial view of human relationships. Karel Reisz's 1981 film "The French Lieutenant's Woman" is precisely such a deeply stratified cinematic narrative. It is not just a historical melodrama, but a multi-layered exploration of passion, prejudice, and the fine line between fiction and reality, where every element contributes to creating a complex and memorable viewing experience.

Plot (no spoilers)

The film unfolds in two parallel realities, masterfully intertwining them. The main storyline takes us to Victorian England in the 19th century. Here, the viewer is introduced to Charles Smithson, a wealthy and educated biologist, whose life seems predetermined by an engagement to a suitable match. His established world crumbles after encountering Sarah Woodruff – a mysterious figure, ostracized by society and branded a "fallen woman." Their suddenly ignited and inexplicable passion defies all social conventions and norms of the time. However, Sarah commits an unexpected and painful act, abandoning Charles and leaving him confused and searching for answers.

Parallel to this, in a more contemporary setting, another story unfolds: actors Anna and Mike, playing the roles of Sarah and Charles in a film project. As they delve deeper into their characters, the boundaries between their own lives and the lives they portray on screen begin to blur. The emotions and conflicts of the on-screen characters begin to irreversibly change their personal destinies, creating an intriguing metaphor about the power of art over reality.

Why it's worth watching

• Two-layered dramaturgy: The unique structure, intertwining Victorian romance with modern reflection, offers the viewer something more than just a historical drama. It is an intellectual exercise that prompts reflection on the nature of storytelling.

• Deep exploration of passion and society: The film brilliantly shows how personal passion clashes with rigid social norms and how these clashes shape people's destinies. It is a universal story about forbidden love and its consequences.

• Outstanding cast: Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons embody their characters with incredible depth and nuance. Their on-screen interaction, whether in the Victorian or modern storyline, is a pillar of the film's emotional impact, contributing to the creation of complex and multifaceted characters.

• Visual aesthetics: Under Karel Reisz's direction, the film immerses viewers in the atmosphere of both prim 19th-century England and the behind-the-scenes life of filmmaking, creating contrasting but harmonious worlds.

• Powerful metaphor: The film raises questions about reality and fiction, about how the roles we play can influence ourselves and our relationships, prompting the viewer to reflect on the nature of identity.

Themes

"The French Lieutenant's Woman" deeply explores themes of forbidden love and its conflict with social conventions, the hypocritical morality of the Victorian era, and the doomed nature of passion in the face of conservative norms. The parallel storyline raises questions about the nature of acting, identity, and how art can penetrate personal lives, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. It is also a reflection on free will and destiny, on how much control we have over our lives when we succumb to powerful external or internal forces.

Verdict

"The French Lieutenant's Woman" is not just a period drama, but an intellectually rich and emotionally profound work that transcends its time and genre. Karel Reisz created a film that still sparks discussion and admiration for its complexity and virtuosity of execution. If you are looking for a film that will make you ponder love, society, and art, while offering a captivating story, this 1981 drama will be a valuable discovery for you. It is cinema for those who appreciate subtle direction and compelling acting performances, capable of transporting the viewer into a world where passion clashes with reality, and fiction becomes destiny.