Superb book. Probably my favourite Fowles' novel (although I love The Magus, too).
I thought the film was good too (I've seen it several times), although the technique of moving back and forth between the story and the actors filming the story was annoying the first time I saw the film. [Harold Pinter wrote the screenplay, BTW.] In subsequent viewings it's not so distracting. I think Pinter was trying to create an effect similar to the metafictional techniques Fowles uses in the novel.
I presume you've been to Lyme Regis, where it's set. Fowles' house is just outside the town, half-way up the hill.
I've recently watched the newly restored Far From The Madding Crowd, which is also set in Dorset (and surrounding counties). Great film. And it's fun recognising many of the locales they used.