Initially, Shandurai does not return his affections. Time passes, and she becomes more amenable. Nevertheless, the memory of her husband still lingers in her mind, so she refuses to give in to Kinsky. Besieged is notable for its use of music instead of dialogue. The dialogue present is sparse and quick.
Music pervades the entire film.
Bertolucci uses music to portray Shandurai and Kinsky's emotion, to both each other and the world surrounding them. The music alternates between classical compositions on Kinsky's piano to African rhythms on Shandurai's radio. Classical music is new to Shandurai, and her appreciation for it grows throughout the film. The changes in composition also mirror Kinsky and Shandurai's growing affection for each other. Kinsky's Roman villa is a beautiful complement to the music playing throughout the film.