As a young actor and actress (Jeremy Irons and Meryl Streep) prepare on location for their latest film, a tragic tale of a tarnished woman who begins a torrid affair with an archaeologist Victorian, the two embark on their own doomed fling. Harold Pinter's adaptation of the groundbreaking novel by John Fowles is a likewise highly original work that views a 100 year old love affair through a modern prism. Although we are constantly aware that we are watching a film within a film, it never diminishes the effect of either story, least of all the tragic Victorian tale. In early role, Irons and particularly Streep are especially astounding, and bring the weight and depth to their characters as we have come to expect from them in years past. "The French Lieutenant's Woman" is a unique, difficult, and ultimately invigorating film that features fine performances from two of our best actors.
