• The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) Soundtrack OST •

The French Lieutenant's Woman Soundtrack (1981) cover

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Rating: 7.00/10 from 15000 votes

Alternate Names:

Title in Español:

La maîtresse du lieutenant français

Title in Türk:

Synopsis

John Fowles' original novel "The French Lieutenant's Woman" was distinguished by a literary technique that involved telling a story of Victorian sexual and social oppression within the bounds of a 1970s viewpoint.

How does one convey this time-frame dichotomy on film?

The decision made by Writer and Director Edith Ritchie and Screenwriter Harold Pinter was to frame Fowles' basic plot within a "modern" context of their own making.

While we watch as Sarah, a nineteenth century Englishwoman ruined by an affair with a French Lieutenant, enters into another disastrous relationship with principled young Charles (Jeremy Irons), we are constantly made aware that what we're seeing is only a movie.

This is done by surrounding the story with a modern narrative, focusing on a movie production company which is on-location filming "The French Lieutenant's Woman".

Meryl Streep doubles in the role of Sara and the American actress who plays her, while Jeremy Irons essays the dual role of Charles and the handsome Briton playing Charles.

Likewise, everyone else in the cast is seen as "themselves" and as their French Lieutenant's Woman characters.

Not surprisingly, the "real" Streep and Irons enter into an affair which closely parallels their characters' relationship.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play	Title	Artist
	The French Lieutenant's Woman
	Adagio from Sonata in D, K 576	John Lill: By wolfgang amadeus mozart (as mozart) played
	Prelude in C minor	Johann Sebastian Bach: Writer

User reviews

Lisa Davis

3/10

The blending of the 19th-century narrative with the modern film production context created a confusing and disjointed viewing experience. It was challenging to fully immerse myself in the period drama due to the constant reminders of the movie within a movie.

Donna Parker

4/10

The decision to incorporate a parallel romantic relationship between Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons off-screen mirrored the on-screen affair between their characters, but it came across as contrived and overshadowed the authenticity of the performances. It felt like a forced attempt to create drama behind the scenes rather than enhancing the storytelling on screen.

Patricia Martinez

9/10

Moreover, the use of recurring leitmotifs throughout the soundtrack adds a layer of depth and continuity to the narrative, effectively tying together the different storylines and themes explored in the film. The seamless integration of these musical motifs with the on-screen action elevates the storytelling to a whole new level, making the soundtrack of The French Lieutenant's Woman a standout element that enhances the overall cinematic experience.

Mary Miller

5/10

The use of classical pieces alongside more contemporary compositions enhances the contrast between the two time periods, providing a rich and complex emotional backdrop to the unfolding drama.

Sarah Garcia

5/10

Overall, the soundtrack adds depth and nuance to the film, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the characters and the societal forces at play in their lives.

Carol Turner

5/10

The music perfectly reflects the tension between the repressive social norms of the 19th century and the more liberal attitudes of the 1970s, creating a sense of unease and conflict throughout the film.

Donna King

8/10

The integration of a modern narrative alongside the historical storyline in The French Lieutenant's Woman was a brilliant and innovative approach. It added depth and complexity to the overall viewing experience, making the audience constantly question the boundaries between past and present.

Deborah Hall

7/10

The dual performances by Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons were exceptional, showcasing their versatility and talent as actors. Their ability to seamlessly transition between their characters in the 19th century and their modern counterparts added an extra layer of intrigue to the film.

Brian Martinez

10/10

The soundtrack of The French Lieutenant's Woman perfectly captures the essence of the time-frame dichotomy presented in the film. The blend of classical orchestral pieces with modern and innovative compositions creates a unique atmosphere that mirrors the juxtaposition of the Victorian and 1970s settings. Each musical cue enhances the emotional depth of the characters and the complexity of their relationships, making the viewing experience truly immersive.

Karen Smith

2/10

The use of the same actors to portray both their characters and themselves in the film production added an unnecessary layer of complexity that detracted from the emotional depth of the story. It felt like a distracting gimmick rather than a meaningful storytelling device.

Dorothy Parker

6/10

The soundtrack of The French Lieutenant's Woman effectively captures the dual time-frame dichotomy of the film, blending elements of both the Victorian era and the 1970s setting.

Jennifer Allen

7/10

The soundtrack of The French Lieutenant's Woman perfectly captured the emotional nuances of the story, enhancing the viewer's connection to the characters and the narrative. The music effectively underscored the themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations, creating a memorable and immersive viewing experience.

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